Former Sunderland defender suffers serious injury on debut for KV Mechelen

Former Sunderland defender suffers serious injury on debut for KV Mechelen Leo Hjelde suffered a serious injury on his debut for KV Mechelen this weekend. The 22-year-old had only just moved from Sunderland to join KV Mechelen, with the chance to play first team football a clear reason for making the move from England. However, after just 34 minutes on his debut, the former Sunderland man had to be taken off with a knee injury. KV Mechelen have announced that Hjelde suffered a ruptured patellar tendon and will have to undergo surgery. It is a real blow for both Hjelde and KV Mechelen, who had been hopeful that the former Sunderland defender would provide them with some real quality at the back. Hjelde had spent the last season out on loan at Sheffield United from Sunderland, having fallen out of favour with the side reaching the Premier League. KV Mechelen had been looking to upgrade their defence this summer but now with Hjelde out they may need to return to the transfer market to sign a replacement. Hopefully the 22-year-old can make a full recovery before the end of the season. GBeNeFN  |  Ben Jackson