Rodwell had 50 injections in five days

Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell was given 50 injections in five days in a bid to regain his fitness at the Stadium of Light.

Rodwell has been hampered by injuries since arriving from Manchester City last year, with the 24-year-old managing just three Premier League starts this term.

The Englishman's latest struggles saw him travel to Germany for treatment with former Bayern Munich club doctor Dr Hans Muller-Wolfhart. 

"I flew to see him in Munich. I was there from Monday to Friday morning and had about 50 injections over that time. He injects and injects," explained Rodwell.

"There's a lot of anti-inflammatories and lubricants for the joints – it's all technical stuff, the physios know more than me. 

"I just go along with it, and I'll do anything to stay fit. There's nothing major, it's just niggling injuries, but I don't want it to continue. When you're out for a week here and there, it sets you back and you're out of the team."

Rodwell will be hoping to add to his 71 minutes from last weekend when Sunderland - 19th in the standings and two points adrift of safety - travel to embattled champions Chelsea on Saturday. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1