Exclusive:Sunderland 'short' in key area ahead of Lech Poznan and Leeds United tests

Former Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchison believes the Black Cats are ‘short in attack’ as they turn their focus towards Thursday’s Europa League tie at Polish champions Lech Poznan.

Regis Le Bris handed a start to academy product Timur Tutierov in last weekend’s dramatic win at Portuguese cup winners Torreense and the young Ukrainian retained his place for Sunday’s defeat at Premier League rivals Bournemouth after fellow forwards Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey were ruled out of the long trip to the south coast.

Hutchison praised Tutierov’s potential and backed the striker to start in the Europa League - but stressed the importance of getting his senior team-mates back to full fitness.

Speaking to The Echo via BetBrain, he said: “As things stand, they are short [in attack]. The young forward [Tutierov] has potential and could start in the Europa League if he is fit, but when players such as Isidor and Brobbey are unavailable, you suddenly look light. That can happen to any club. Take Haaland out of Manchester City and you would question their depth as well. It is the nature of having injuries in a specialist position. The medical staff have to work hard to get Brobbey and Isidor fit again. Once Sunderland have those players available, I think they will be fine. I have no doubt they will move away from the bottom three.”

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‘Set the tone’

Hutchison turned his attention towards the other end of the pitch after defensive duo Omar Alderete and Kevin Danso endured a torrid time in Sunday’s defeat at Bournemouth. The former Scotland international believes the absence of Dan Ballard has left Le Bris without the ‘strength’ of his defensive partnership.

He said: “When Sunderland were at their best last season, Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete were two really tough defenders to play against. They set the tone. Alderete has not quite had the same start this season. He has looked a little shaky and can be emotional in the way he plays. At times, he looks like a yellow card waiting to happen. Ballard is injured, so they are missing the strength of that partnership.”

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