Sunderland striker Brian Brombie was injured in the Netherlands’ 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany and will be replaced for the Netherlands’ remaining games during the international break.
Brobbie was forced off with a non-contact injury in the 35th minute, allowing Germany to score a controversial opener, with Felix Nmecha firing in as he lay on the turf.
Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time equalizer earned the Oranje a point, but Brombie will now miss the next three games – Xavi’s side face Serbia twice and travel to Greece – while Sunderland wait nervously to find out the extent of the injury.
Xavi did not reveal many details in his post-match speech, saying only: “There are people coming in. [the squad]but we don’t know who yet. “
one A post from Sunderland’s X (formerly Twitter) Read: “Brian Brombie was forced off in the first half as Netherlands secured a late point against Germany. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Brian.”
Brobbie played a key role in Sunderland’s impressive return to the Premier League last season. After signing from Ajax, Brobbie scored seven goals to help the Black Cats finish seventh and secure a spot in the Europa League.
He scored a hat-trick as Sunderland lost 5-3 to leaders Manchester City in a thrilling eight-goal defeat last Sunday.
The treble made him the first Premier League player to score a hat-trick for a losing team since Roque Santa Cruz in December 2007 for Blackburn Rovers.
A serious injury to the focal point of their attack will leave Sunderland short of options up front. Wilson Isidor is Brobbie’s main backup and if the problem becomes serious, he will be a long-term backup in the team.
Sunderland return to action on October 10 when they face Brighton and Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Lebres’ side have taken four points from their first five games.