Sunderland face Brian Brobbey injury concern after Netherlands withdrawal

Sunderland face uncertainty over Brian Brobbey's fitness after the striker withdrew from the Netherlands squad ahead of November's UEFA Nations League fixtures.

The 24-year-old had recently returned from a hamstring injury, but was ruled out of international duty on Monday following Sunderland's 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

Dutch reports subsequently suggested Brobbey had suffered a small tear in his thigh, potentially leaving him sidelined for several weeks.

However, neither Sunderland nor the Netherlands have confirmed the precise injury or an expected recovery timetable.

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris had already expressed concerns about Brobbey's workload before the international break.

The striker sustained a hamstring injury during the previous international period and has been gradually rebuilding his match fitness.

Speaking ahead of the November squad gathering, Netherlands manager Xavi Hernández confirmed he had spoken with Brobbey but not directly with Le Bris.

"He feels good; we will see how he feels when he reports here, but he played very well yesterday," Xavi said on Monday.

"I am always open to talks with the coaches. We have to take good care of our players."

Later that day, the Dutch football association confirmed Brobbey's withdrawal, alongside Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

Both players were deemed unfit following their weekend club matches.

According to journalist Mounir Boualin, Brobbey has suffered a small muscle tear, although it remains unclear whether this represents a fresh injury or a complication of his earlier hamstring problem.

Brobbey played an influential role in Sunderland's victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

His physical presence troubled the visitors' defence, and he won the penalty converted by Enzo Le Fée.

Le Bris praised the striker afterwards.

"His physicality, his intensity is impressive that's for sure," the Sunderland manager said.

"He deserved to score, but he was so important."

Brobbey was substituted in the 67th minute, having only recently returned to competitive action.

His potential absence would leave Le Bris with another attacking concern as Sunderland attempt to build on their victory.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, will face Greece on Friday and Germany on Monday without the forward.

Sunderland will assess Brobbey's fitness before their next competitive fixtures, with confirmation of the injury's severity needed before any return date can be established.