Sunderland team news explained as Régis Le Bris makes two key calls for Nottingham Forest clash
Sunderland are back in Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Friday night
Dan Ballard returns to the Sunderland XI for Nottingham Forest’s visit to the Stadium of Light on Friday night.
Ballard returns to the heart of defence as one of two changes from the side that lost 4-3 to Aston Villa last Sunday. Trai Hume earns a start after his goal from the bench at Villa Park, replacing Reinildo at left back.
Omar Alderete is able to keep his place despite being brought off in the second half of that defeat, with Régis Le Bris confirming on Thursday that he was one of a number of players who had recovered from a virus. Reinildo was another of the players impacted.
“Last week we had a few players unwell, which can happen,” Le Bris said.
“So they were just on the edge, five of six of the players so it was massive for us but it is what it is. You have to manage the situation and for Omar it was just that point. Last week we were just on the edge, so we didn't mention it but it was important for the game, and it should be OK for tomorrow.
“And it shows as well that on the bench now we have more options and when they come on the pitch they can influence the game. It was the case for Trai, for example and for Wilson which is good for us moving forward.”
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra; Rigg, Le Fee, Brobbey
Subs: Ellborg, Geertruida, Reinildo, Mayenda, Isidor, Talbi, Jones, O’Nien, Cirkin
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What Régis Le Bris said about Sunderland longer-term injuries
Le Bris is hopeful that he’ll have Jocelin Ta Bi, Bertrand Traore and Nilson Angulo back over the course of the next fortnight.
“Nilson and Berto are close to returning for part training next week, so probably a bit with the squad,” Le Bris said.
“Jocelin started the sessions with us this week, so we might go further next week because he felt good, which is good news, and nothing else to flag.”
Your next Sunderland read: Live updates from the Stadium of Light as Sunderland take on Nottingham Forest