Sunderland Boss Explains Why Much-coveted Striker Maja Was Benched In Loss To Portsmouth

Published: December 23, 2018

Josh Maja was surprisingly not utilized by Sunderland manager Jack Ross as they were beaten 3-1 by Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday afternoon, amid speculation linking the striker with an exit from The Blacks in the January transfer window.

Ross has claimed that the former Super Eagles invitee was unwell and hopes that he is fit to face Bradford City .

''He was unwell. To be honest, he wouldn’t have started, the way we set up was what we worked on and in fairness it worked,'' Ross was quoted as saying by Sunderland Echo.

''He would have always come on, regardless how the game was going but he wasn’t feeling great this morning.

''We didn’t have any other option to include him on the bench as we lost Adam Matthews as well.

''We were a little bit hamstrung in that respect.

"Being unwell in these conditions, we were looking after him. Hopefully he will be okay for Boxing Day.''

Maja, 19, is Sunderland's leading scorer in the League One so far this season with 12 goals from 20 appearances.

Igho Kingsley

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