Luke O'Nien
SUNEngland
Right
Nov 21, 1994
31
5'9"
163 lb
CB
RB
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SunderlandSuspension over
O'Nien is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: O'Nien has served his three-match ban after nearly a month out, set to return in the club's upcoming match. He has served in a rotational role and will likely continue in that spot upon his return, having appeared only twice off the bench all season.
Shown red card after VAR
O'Nien was shown a red card in the 90th minute of Saturday's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: O'Nien would pick up a yellow card in the 90th minute of Saturday's match, but after a review by VAR, the card was upgraded to a straight red and O'Nien's exit. The dangerous play will suspend him for the next two games, not returning until they face Leeds United on Dec. 28. He appeared off the bench and is more of a rotational option for the club, so this is a minor loss.
Available off bench
O'Nien (shoulder) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: O'Nien was deemed fit to play earlier this week, and the defender will be an option to make his season debut this Saturday. That said, Sunderland have a well-established defensive line, so he's not expected to see regular minutes any time soon.
Option for season debut
O'Nien (shoulder) is an option for Saturday's match against Nottingham Forest, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "Yeah, Luke is now connected with the the squad fully, so he's an option now."
Analysis: O'Nien has yet to debut this season after an injury he suffered in last season's Championship Playoff Finals, serving on the sidelines through the first five games of this season. However, he is now set for a potential return Saturday, likely to be involved after months out. He will likely earn a bench spot to begin this campaign, being cautious after his long absence. He will then need to work to gain back a starting role, with summer signings Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele currently holding the starting roles in the defense.
Out a few more weeks
O'Nien (shoulder) is out for another week or two, according to manager Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo. "Luke, we have to wait one or two more weeks."
Analysis: O'Nien was aiming for a return Sunday but is still injured, now needing a week or two more to find his way back to the field due to his shoulder injury. This means the defender will continue without their captain and a major part of their promotion team last season. He will now look to return against either Nottingham Forest or Manchester United, likely to see a bench role once fully fit.
Aiming return against Aston Villa
O'Nien (shoulder) should be back available for the clash against Aston Villa, coach Regis Le Bris said in the press conference, according to the Northern Echo. "Luke should be ready around Aston Villa."
Analysis: O'Nien has reumed training this week and should be back available next week for the clash against the Villains since the game against Crystal Palace is coming too soon for him. That said, once fully back fit, the center-back will have to compete for a starting role with new signings Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete.
Nearing return to competition
O'Nien (shoulder) is nearing a return to competition after he was spotted training with the ball on Saturday, the club posted.
Analysis: O'Nien missed the beginning of the season with Sunderland as he recovered from shoulder surgery. The center-back was spotted training with the ball on Saturday and is nearing a return to competition that should happen in the coming fixtures. He started 47 of his 48 appearances last season in the Championship and will likely get that role back once fully fit, although he will have to face competition from new signings Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete.
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