Sunderland are back in Premier League action when they face Everton on Sunday

Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Bertrand Traoré is in contention to return to the Sunderland squad at Everton on Sunday.

Traoré returned to training last week after recovering from a significant knee injury, but was left out of the matchday squad for Manchester United’s visit. Le Bris said he opted to take a cautious approach with the experienced winger but that he had been pleased with his progress in training this week. The 30-year-old could well be back in the squad at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a result.

“At the minute, we have a full group, so I had to make a decision last week,” Le Bris said.

“His trajectory was probably a bit different if you compare with Jocelin and Nilson, who were back as well. It was a re-injury for Bertrand, so probably I needed more time to be comfortable with his selection.

"I had this conversation with him yesterday, and I was clear and honest. This week, it was more consistent, I think. It's not easy to manage a re-injury and it was a new injury for him as well. In a career, sometimes you have an ankle injury and then a re-injury, so you know exactly what is the timeline and so on. For him, with his knee, it was totally new. Because it was a re-injury, I think it was important to be a bit more cautious and this week was much, much better.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Traoré is out of contract this summer, with Sunderland and the player currently weighing up whether or not to trigger the extra year. Le Bris made clear that this would play no part in his selection decisions over the next fortnight, and that he had relayed that to the player himself.

Le Bris said: “I told him, and it's clear with you as well: “Bertrand, when he's available for selection, is playing for Sunderland. Until the last game, last day, he's 100% aligned with the others.”

The Sunderland head coach said there were no new injury concerns ahead of the game.

Your next Sunderland read: Régis Le Bris delivers verdict on progress of Sunderland wingers and explains current selection stance