Régis Le Bris explains Omar Alderete latest in Sunderland team news update ahead of Nottingham Forest
Sunderland are back in Premier League action when they face Nottingham Forest on Friday night
Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Omar Alderete will be available to face Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
Alderete was brought off in the second half at Villa Park, with Le Bris revealing on Thursday that he was one of a number of players suffering with illness in the build up to the game. Le Bris said he believes it won’t impact his selection to face Forest.
“Last week we had a few players unwell, which can happen. 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.”
The Sunderland head coach also confirmed that Dan Ballard was in contention to start the game, having made his return from a hamstring injury as a second-half substitute last week.
Le Bris expects to have the same squad against Nottingham Forest. Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore and in particular Jocelin Ta Bi are all making good strides in their recovery from injury but are not yet eligible for selection. The visit of Manchester United in a fortnight looks at this stage a realistic target.
“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.”
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Régis Le Bris reflects on late Aston Villa defeat
Despite the disappointment of conceding a stoppage-time winner against Aston Villa last week, Le Bris believes there were positive signs for Sunderland moving forward.
“The game was open and we played with our identity,” Le Bris said.
“We didn’t start well in the first and second half, but we pressed high and they went long often. We had the opportunity to win the ball back and go forward quickly. After that, the quality is the quality. We expected them to be clinical and they were. It’s learning for us, this league is demanding and this is a reminder. At the same time, we are growing and it’s good signs for the future.
“They scored in the same situations, attacked wide with their triangles or with one player and a good cross. We were able to protect the central corridor but we were a bit weaker out wide - well, they were better than us in how they managed the situation. The delivery was perfect. Then you have to manage the box and against these players, it’s difficult.
“We worked on it this week, we won’t face the same exactly but it’s a topic. As a team, our control and build up is getting better. We weren’t brilliant in the final third, we can be better. We regained and broke quickly well.”
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