Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has issued an update on Granit Xhaka’s fitness

Régis Le Bris admits that Granit Xhaka is likely facing another three weeks on the sidelines with an ankle issue.

Xhaka is making good progress in his recovery, but will miss Monday night’s game with Burnley before being reassessed in around a week. He is then highly likely to miss the games against Arsenal and Liverpool, and most likely the FA Cup fourth round tie against Oxford United as well.

“Yes, he's doing well,” Le Bris said.

“He will have another assessment in around one week and from that point, we'll see where he is to define the next stage of its rehabilitation. So it should take probably three more weeks.”

Le Bris admits that Xhaka’s absence leaves a major gap both on and off the pitch, but believes he has the options within his group.

“I think we can't replace Granit so, we have to build a new set-up with a new leadership as well,” Le Bris said.

“I think it takes time but, at the same time, Granit wants to create the conditions for new leaders. So, it's a good period for that. We might struggle a bit, which is normal in the Premier League. It's not just a question of one player missing, it's about the level of the league. And we are still a newly promoted side and so, don't forget this, this perspective is really important.

“And we have to manage a new set-up without the leader from the first part of the season. And I think we have the potential in that squad but it takes time. We need experiences, often negative, even if it's not comfortable. But you can react and you can learn from that point.”

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Scott Parker weighing up James Ward-Prowse debut in Sunderland clash

Burnley boss Scott Parker has confirmed that defender Joe Worrall and forward Zian Flemming will return to the squad after their recent injuries, with James Ward-Prowse in contention after his loan move from West Ham United.

Parker is weighing up whether the former Southampton midfielder is able to start the game, having had very limited game time of late.

“I need to probably sit down with him a little bit more,” Parker said.

“We've got his data for over the last few months in terms of his loading and what he's done. I mean, it'll be a tough one to go and push him straight into the Premier League after obviously not having a lot of football.

“In saying that, he’s an incredible professional whose every testing he's done with us since he's come in here has been right up there, so he's in a good place. But obviously, match speed and match tempo is probably something that might be missing.”

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