Sunderland training reveals five injury absentees as Régis Le Bris weighs up changes ahead of Dinamo Zagreb
Sunderland were without five injured players in training as Régis Le Bris prepared for Thursday’s Dinamo Zagreb clash
Sunderland were without five injured first-team players at their open training session ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.
Nordi Mukiele, Juan Angulo, Romaine Mundle, Dan Ballard and Habib Diarra did not take part, with no major surprises among the absentees as Régis Le Bris continued preparations for the European fixture.
Mukiele remains under concussion protocols and will miss the visit of Dinamo, leaving Sunderland without another defensive option for the game at the Stadium of Light. The defender’s absence comes as Le Bris weighs up his selection for two home fixtures, with Chelsea due on Wearside after Thursday’s European encounter.
There was more encouraging news elsewhere, however, with Wilson Isidor and Thomas Meunier both involved in the session following their returns from injury and involvement in recent matchday squads. Their participation offers Le Bris options as he considers how to manage his squad across the two competitions. Both players have recently returned to action and were again working alongside their teammates during the open session.
Omar Alderete also trained with the group. The centre-back is suspended for the Premier League meeting with Chelsea, meaning Le Bris will have to make a change to his defence for that fixture. Ballard’s continued absence adds to the defensive considerations facing the Sunderland head coach, while Diarra was also missing as he deals with his latest injury setback.
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Youngsters Jenson Jones and Tom Proctor were involved with the main group as preparations continued, giving both another opportunity to work alongside the senior squad. Timur Tutierov also took part following his recent goalscoring exploits. The forward has given Le Bris something to consider with his contributions in cup competition and was among those involved ahead of the Dinamo game.
Thursday’s fixture gives Sunderland another opportunity to build on their European results before attention returns to their difficult Premier League campaign. For Le Bris, the immediate task is to assess the options available and decide how best to approach both matches. With several players still sidelined, the involvement of Isidor and Meunier provides encouragement, although Sunderland will head into the Dinamo fixture with Mukiele already ruled out through the concussion protocols.
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