Regis Le Bris issues Sunderland team news update ahead of Newcastle United showdown
Sunderland face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has admitted that several key members of his squad are facing late assessments ahead of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United.
The Black Cats travel to St. James’ Park for the first time in a decade, but are waiting to determine the fitness status of Robin Roefs, Dan Ballard, Nordi Mukiele, and Enzo Le Fée heading into the weekend.
Roefs is currently battling a hamstring injury sustained during last month’s draw with Bournemouth, while Ballard was substituted just after the hour mark during last weekend’s defeat to Brighton. For his part, Le Fée missed out on that contest entirely, and Mukiele has not featured since suffering a calf complaint against Fulham on February 22nd.
When asked about the quartet during a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Le Bris responded: “We have a late assessment for them. We know already that Jocelin [Ta Bi], Nilson [Angulo], Bertrand [Traore], and Romain [Mundle] will be sidelined for this game.
“For the others, we have a late assessment because they are working hard behind the scenes, getting ready for this fixture. It's really important for us. It might be a pure medical decision. We won't take unnecessary risks. We still have seven games after this one and an international break to manage the last part of the rehab, if necessary.”
On the nature of Ballard’s injury, he added: “It was a discomfort in the hamstring zone so we'll see.”
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What did Regis Le Bris say about Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele?
Le Bris was also quizzed on whether he would be more tempted to include a player based on the significance of Sunday’s match, and the fact that Sunderland have a three-week wait until their next Premier League fixture afterwards due to the upcoming international break, to which he replied: “I had this conversation with Nordi 10 minutes ago, before the press conference. Nordi and the others pushed at the maximum to be ready for this fixture. After that, we can't make an emotional decision. It has to be a rational decision, purely medical.
“If he plays 20 minutes, for example, and gets an injury at the end of the game, he will miss maybe eight or nine weeks after that, which is a shame. I like their behaviour, because they want to be involved. They understand how important this game is, the necessity to be connected for the squad. Not only for the derby, but for the end of the season. It's always a good sign when the players injured are committed. It's a sign. They want to play, they want to be connected to the squad. After that, you have to make a decision.”
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