Sunderland boss confirms Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba stance as list of absentees mounts

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Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris is missing a number of key players at Millwall this weekend

Régis Le Bris says Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba are in consideration for selection at Millwall this weekend.

It remains to be seen if the Sunderland head coach does turn to the duo amid a long list of absentees, but he has made clear that he has not closed the door on the pair who have struggled for regular minutes this season.

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Aouchiche has not played any competitive football since appearing as a substitute in the win over Sheffield Wednesday in August, while Ba has only made one competitive appearance this season - against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.

Both were close to leaving the club at the end of the summer window but were subsequently brought back into the fold and have appeared in some matchday squads.

With Patrick Roberts suspended and Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle injured for the trip to face Millwall, both seem certain to be included in the squad. Whether they get any minutes could offer a big indication as to their chances of playing their way into the fold on a more regular basis in the weeks ahead.

"They are in the first-team group," Le Bris said.

"They were a little bit far from the main selection but they trained properly, played for the U21s, their mindset was good. So they are ready to be selected, yes. They are involved and they know the rules of competition.

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"They had a previous story here at the club before me, sometimes a better place than at this moment. But they are still involved, connected with the team, they train properly. They have qualities. Sometimes you just have to wait for the opportunity and then you can change the whole dynamic. Football can be like that, it is possible. If the players are still involved, which they are, it is still possible to reconnect and join the main dynamic of the team.

"You see at many clubs and in many seasons where this happens - it is possible for them."

Young midfielder Harrison Jones was not involved as the U21s beat Tamworth in midweek, suggesting that he is likely to be included in this weekend's squad.

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