Sunderland midfielder Jay Matete has returned to the Stadium of Light from his loan spell with League One side Oxford United after picking up a season ending injury.

The 23-year-old made six appearances for the Yellows after signing for them on Deadline Day in the January transfer window, and has undergone minor surgery on his knee which has brought his 2023-24 season to a premature end.

Matete is another red and white youngster who's time on Wearside has been disrupted by injury problems, having missed the first half of the campaign with a knee injury. At this stage, it's unclear whether that's the same problem he encountered earlier in the season.

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The youngster spent the second half of last season on loan with Plymouth Argyle and played a key part in the Pilgrims' promotion winning campaign. His fine form when out on loan, prompted calls for him to be given an opportunity in the Black Cats starting XI, but a knee injury kept him out of Tony Mowbray's squad.

He would recover from that injury in time to depart in the January transfer window, but has played just 253 minutes in the third tier since making that move to the Kassam.

Matete will now start his rehabilitation at the Academy of Light before an expected return to training ahead of pre-season.

Kristjaan Speakman said: “Jay has had to navigate a really challenging season and after working hard to return to fitness in December, this news comes as a disappointing blow.

"After assessing his injury earlier this week, we had an honest conversation and agreed that immediate surgery provides the best long-term outlook for his progression.

"It is a testament to Jay’s character that he is already focussed on returning ahead of pre-season and making an impact, and we look forward to supporting him fully in that process.”