'Convinced': Régis Le Bris issues strong Simon Adingra message after Ivory Coast disappointment
Sunderland winger Simon Adingra has been left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations
Régis Le Bris says he remains ‘absolutely convinced’ that Simon Adingra has a huge future at the club despite a frustrating few months for the forward.
And the Sunderland head coach says he is determined to help the winger earn a place in Ivory Coast’s squad for the World Cup next summer, after the 23-year-old was left out for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Adingra has struggled for regular game time since moving to Wearside from Brighton in the summer, last starting in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on October 4th. Adingra was brought off in the first half of that game as Sunderland switched formation and though he has had cameos off the bench since, his lack of game time has led to his absence from a strong Ivory Coast squad.
It’s a setback for the player who was a vital part of their tournament win two years ago, but it does also present him with an opportunity in the weeks ahead as fellow wingers Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traoré will depart to represent Morocco and Burkino Faso respectively.
“Yeah, I’ve spoken with Simon a bit,” Le Bris said.
“Simon is a really good player and he's young. So, it's just normal to have ups and downs. And at the minute, probably he played less and in his national team, the competition is really high. So, if he has less game time, it wasn't a big surprise to stay in Sunderland. So, the project is always collective and individual.So, for me, it's a shame for Simon because I would have liked to get him with the national team.
“But at the same time, we know that we'll support him and he will be a great player for Sunderland. I'm absolutely convinced of this. At the minute, he needs support. He will have game time because we'll have less players. And I hope he will be in the national team for the World Cup.”
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Régis Le Bris issues Habib Diarra update
Le Bris also confirmed that it would be Senegal’s decision as to whether they call up midfielder Habib Diarra for the tournament.
Diarra is expected to return to full training next week after undergoing groin surgery earlier this season.
“Habib will train with the group next week,” Le Bris said.
“So, full training, ready to go. He'll need probably one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehab programme. Now the decision is with the national team.If they want to select the player, they can.”
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