Sunderland transfer stories emerge before RC Lens clash as four injury scares hit Régis Le Bris' side
Discover the key moments and player performances from Sunderland's pre-season match against RC Lens in France
Sunderland continued their pre-season preparations with a busy day of action against RC Lens in France, with two Black Cats sides given valuable minutes as Régis Le Bris stepped up preparations for the new campaign.
A youthful Sunderland team had taken to the pitch earlier in the day before the senior side kicked off at 3pm, giving the coaching staff another opportunity to assess players across the squad. It followed the recent victory over Wrexham, when several members of the first-team group returned to action following their post-World Cup breaks.
As ever, plenty was going on beyond the obvious action on the pitch. Here, The Echo takes a look at some of the moments supporters may have missed before, during and after Sunderland’s latest pre-season outing:
Double transfer story breaks before kick-off
There was plenty happening away from the pitch before Sunderland’s clash with Lens, with two fresh transfer stories emerging around the left side of Régis Le Bris’ squad. Dayann Methalie missed Toulouse’s latest friendly with what was described as a “minor injury” amid continued Sunderland interest. The Black Cats have already made significant progress in their pursuit of the 20-year-old, with personal terms reportedly agreed and an offer worth more than €25million including add-ons on the table. Toulouse have been seeking a package closer to €30million.
Meanwhile, the Daily Record reported that Sunderland had also registered an interest in Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig. The Scotland international made 30 Serie A appearances last season and is also attracting interest from Marseille and Olympiakos.
Meunier debut as Xhaka and Le Fée return
There were a number of notable selections when Sunderland’s senior team was named for the clash with Lens, not least a first appearance for summer signing Thomas Meunier. Granit Xhaka also returned following his post-World Cup break, while Enzo Le Fée was back involved after missing the Wrexham victory with a minor knock. Those returns represented another useful step as Régis Le Bris gradually brought his squad back together ahead of the new campaign.
There were, however, several notable absentees. Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete both missed out, while Romaine Mundle and Arthur Masuaku were also not involved. With the Premier League opener drawing closer, the availability of those players will naturally be something to keep an eye on as Sunderland continue to build towards competitive action.
Injury scares and woodwork drama
There were a couple of early injury scares for Sunderland. Granit Xhaka was caught late from behind after 12 minutes and was left limping, while Enzo Le Fée was also down at the same time. Given their importance, it was an uncomfortable sight, but both were thankfully able to continue.
Brian Brobbey then caused another brief concern around the 24-minute mark after going down holding his face following a coming together. Play was stopped, and Sunderland’s medical team came onto the pitch, although the Dutch striker was able to carry on after a couple of minutes.
Trai Hume had come closest for Sunderland during the opening exchanges, rattling the crossbar with a well-struck right-footed volley. Brobbey later found the woodwork himself, although the flag was already up for offside. Thomas Meunier then thought he had marked his first Sunderland appearance with a goal shortly before half-time, only for the effort to be ruled out.
Ballard concern as Rigg makes immediate impact
Régis Le Bris made two changes at half-time, with Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi replacing Granit Xhaka and Thomas Meunier respectively. Both Xhaka and Meunier had been given useful minutes as Sunderland continued to build fitness levels.
There was a concern involving Dan Ballard seven minutes after the restart. The defender landed heavily following a challenge and appeared to take much of the impact on his collarbone and wrist, leaving him in some discomfort. Ballard was able to continue initially but went down again around the 62-minute mark.
Le Bris subsequently made several changes, with Jenson Seelt replacing Ballard, who appeared to have picked up a knock, while Wilson Isidor came on for Brian Brobbey. Chris Rigg was also introduced and moved onto the right wing. The youngster made an immediate impact from there, providing the assist for Trai Hume to open the scoring and cap another encouraging outing for the Northern Ireland international.
Sunderland lift unique 1906 Trophy after impressive win
The Black Cats were structured and disciplined defensively, controlled long periods of the game and pressed particularly well in attacking areas. Robin Roefs was only seriously tested once, which said plenty about the protection offered by those in front of him against a side that finished second in Ligue 1 last season.
Sunderland doubled their advantage late on as Chemsdine Talbi drove forward brilliantly down the left after a good ball over from Chris Rigg before finding Wilson Isidor, who produced an improvised finish to complete a sharp counter-attack and make it 2-0. There was also another opportunity for Timur Tutierov, who replaced Enzo Le Fée as Régis Le Bris continued to spread minutes across his squad.
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The victory also came with a rather unusual prize. Sunderland were presented with the 1906 Trophy, created specifically for the fixture and made from coal, a detail that will certainly resonate with supporters on Wearside given the region’s mining heritage.
Pre-season results should never be overanalysed, but beating a team preparing for Champions League football while looking this organised was unquestionably encouraging. Sunderland still need additions before the competitive action begins, but there is already a very strong core group for Le Bris to work with.