Sunderland are looking to bounce back from their defeat to Fulham against Bournemouth this weekend

Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Romaine Mundle is back in contention for Sunderland selection, but has hinted that might not include him in the squad to face Bournemouth.

Mundle made a goalscoring return to action in a 1-0 win for the U21s over Sporting Lisbon last Thursday, and has been in full training now for a few weeks. Sunderland now have a number of players available in every position, which led to Chris Rigg not making the matchday squad at Fulham last week.

That could mean Mundle is not on the bench this weekend but his progress is a big boost for the Black Cats. Though close to full fitness, Le Bris added that he will give Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde more training time before they are considered for selection.

“Yeah, probably now from the rehab programme, Romaine is available for selection because he's a winger and got some minutes and success as well on the pitch [for the U21s],” Le Bris said.

“So it's possible [he could be involved], but we have the full squad and so we don't have to rush. Now it's just a question of choice, if I want to make the choice or not. And for Dennis, Leo, they still need time to build this level. They are not too far from selection as well. Sometimes we can rush even if it's not natural, if it's needed, we'll do it. But we have this opportunity to do it naturally, I think it's better for them, it's better for the squad as well.”

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Régis Le Bris issues Habib Diarra injury update

Though not yet in back in full training, Le Bris confirmed that Diarra is on track in his recovery from a groin injury. The Black Cats are in talks with Senegal about his recovery and what involvedment he will have at the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

“He's doing well, his rehab process is positive at the minute,” Le Bris said.

“He's pain free. He feels really good. But we still have a period even if you feel good you know that you need time to recover.

“Flo is connected with national teams so there are always conversations. It's a rehab process for Habib. And we try to manage the club and the national team not only one because I think it's really clear that the players like to be involved in their national teams but they know that it's important to play with their club as well, so it's a balance. I think we can manage this balance properly with conversation and it's ongoing with Flo and he's connected with everyone. You have your own interest especially when you're with a national team it's a short period you have to have your best players available yeah it's fair but in the end it's a balance."

Your next Sunderland read: Everything Le Bris said in press conference ahead of Bournemouth