Former Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie returns to English soil tonight to captain AZ Alkmaar against Sunderland in their historic Europa League opener.
Sunderland host the Dutch side at the Stadium of Light in their first European fixture for 53 years. Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the 8pm kick-off live on TNT Sports or stream via HBO Max. United States viewers can follow on Paramount+, while Stan Sport broadcasts the match in Australia.
Sunderland Face Mounting Injury Crisis
Manager Regis Le Bris faces a growing selection dilemma ahead of the tie. Winger Romaine Mundle is completely sidelined with a knee injury. Midfielder Habib Diarra is ruled out with a hamstring problem and will not return until after the international break.
Alkmaar travel with their own notable fitness concerns. Denso Kasius and Kees Smit are both absent with groin injuries. Fellow midfielder Stije Resink misses the trip due to a knee problem.
Clasie Leads Eredivisie High Flyers
Clasie arrives on Wearside leading an Alkmaar team currently sitting second in the Eredivisie. The visitors enjoyed an impressive unbeaten start to their domestic campaign before falling to Willem II last Friday.
While Southampton observers celebrate recent recognition for their thriving academy system, their former midfielder takes centre stage in continental competition. As the English domestic calendar builds towards the traditional festive schedule, this tournament provides an immediate test for the Wearside club.
European nights of this magnitude are rare on Wearside. FourFourTwo described these high-stakes fixtures as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience for loyal supporters. Sunderland must now overcome their midfield absences to secure a vital opening victory.
