Elder statesmen like Danny Batth, Carl Winchester, Lynden Gooch, and Bailey Wright left the Black Cats in recent months, but bright prospects like Jobe Bellingham, Nectarios Triantis, and Mason Burstow came in to fill the vacancies.
However, some of Sunderland’s summer signings, such as center-back Jenson Seelt, forward Eliezer Mayenda, and deadline-day recruits Timothee Pembele and Nazariy Rusyn, are yet to make their club debuts.
Rusyn appears to be getting closer to making his debut, while Pembele, who hasn’t played in a competitive game of football since March, is on a workout regimen to get him up to speed.
The Ukrainian striker has been waiting for the paperwork to complete his move to England after appearing twice for Zorya Lugansk in the early stages of the 2023–24 season. The EFL has confirmed his registration pending a successful visa application.
Rusyn has been working out with the first team since he arrived in the United Kingdom more than a week ago, but the club has been
However, there has recently been good news regarding Rusyn’s condition, so Black Cats followers may get to see him sooner rather than later.
What has Tony Mowbray said on Nazariy Rusyn’s Sunderland situation?
Now that Rusyn’s visa application has been approved, Mowbray can say with certainty that he is now available for selection if necessary.
However, Mowbray has muted excitement by being evasive about whether the Ukrainian will be used this weekend, implying that he might not be prepared to take a major part in the action.
Should Tony Mowbray start Nazariy Rusyn against Cardiff right away?
Giving Rusyn a quick start this Sunday against the Bluebirds would be extremely hazardous, although to be fair, he did the same with Mason Burstow last week against Queens Park Rangers.
To be fair to Mowbray, he had no other striker choices, so Burstow had to be dropped into the deep end and is currently learning on the job, much like Rusyn will.
But for the time being, Rusyn, who must adjust to English football, should be progressively edged in while Burstow is given the duty of leading the line for the Black Cats.
Given that Rusyn has a long-term contract and that Sunderland are now doing very well, there is no urgency to get the forward involved. It also wouldn’t be surprising if it takes a few more games before the forward plays for the Wearsiders.