Sunderland have recently been boosted by the return of key midfielder Chris Rigg, who had been missing since the Blackburn Rovers game on Boxing Day after injuring his ankle at Ewook Park.
Head coach Régis Le Bris has also welcomed Salis Abdul Samed back. The midfielder signed for the Black Cats last summer but has not been fit since. The duo join new signing Enzo Le Fèe in helping to bolster Sunderland’s squad.
Despite not being a league game, fringe players Abdoullah Ba and Jewison Bennette were not in the squad to face Stoke City in the FA Cup recently, nor was Joe Anderson. The trio appear firmly out of the head coach’s plans and will be allowed to leave in January should a decent offer arise.
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Sunderland have also been linked with a host of incoming deals alongside Le Fée as the Black Cats look to push for promotion during the second half of the season.
With that in mind and for a little bit of fun, we take a look at how Le Bris’ starting XI and subs bench if the recent transfer rumours turn out to be true:
9. FW: Jayden Danns
Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers have been linked with a deal for Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns ahead of the transfer deadline. Photo: Getty Images
10. FW: Patrick Roberts
Patrick Roberts has been in fine form for Sunderland this season but may see himself rested and rotated at times if the Black Cats secure additional reinforcements. He makes our team here, though. | Patrick Roberts vs Norwich City. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
11. FW: Wilson Isidor
The Frenchman is fast becoming a fan favourite at Sunderland and has just made his loan move permanent from Zenit. | PA
12. Potential substitute: Simon Moore
Following the end of his contract at Coventry, Moore signed a two-year contract at Sunderland, with a club option of a further year last summer. | Frank Reid