Adam Johnson will not play for Sunderland at home to Manchester United on Saturday amid his involvement in an ongoing court case.
Johnson pleaded guilty to kissing a 15-year-old schoolgirl and a further charge of grooming. The 28-year-old midfielder admitted one count of sexual activity with a child and one of grooming at Bradford crown court. He denies two other counts of sexual activity with a child and is due to go on trial on Friday.
Johnson has made 20 appearances for Sunderland this season, including as a substitute last Saturday at Liverpool, where he scored in a 2-2 draw. “He will not be available for this weekend,” said Sunderland’s manager, Sam Allardyce, on Thursday.
Johnson was suspended by Sunderland following his arrest on 2 March last year but that was lifted when his bail was extended by five weeks a fortnight later.
• This article was amended on 12 February 2016 to remove an inaccuracy.
