How will Sunderland cope without Reinildo during AFCON?
Sunderland are back in action at Manchester City on Saturday afternoon
Sunderland are without Reinildo as they take on Manchester City this afternoon.
The left back has suffered an injury setback and misses out on the game - The Echo understands it is not at this stage thought to be a serious injury. Régis Le Bris will issue a full update later.
The injury brings Lutsharel Geertruida back into the starting XI, a move which is expected to see Trai Hume move across to left wing back. Nordi Mukiele will move out to right wing back. The Sunderland head coach has opted to make two further changes to his starting XI, which look likely to see the Black Cats move back into a 5-4-1 shape. Bertrand Traore returns to the XI after being rested in midweek, with Chemsdine Talbi set to be deployed as an impact substitute. Le Bris has also changed his strikers, with Wilson Isidor recalled to the starting XI. The Black Cats are managing Brian Brobbey carefully as he steps towards full fitness, and having started at Liverpool in midweek he will be used as a substitute here.
As expected, Le Bris has selected both Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki despite the pair being one yellow card away from a suspension ahead of next week’s derby against Newcastle United. Speaking after the draw with Liverpool, Le Bris made clear that he wouldn’t consider not selecting his strongest team to try and get a positive result: “Today it shows that we can win points everywhere. So maybe it means that we'll have this opportunity against City. So we'll try to play with our best team, knowing that this problem can appear. At the minute I think our players managed the situation properly.”
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Geertruida, Hume; Traore, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Isidor
Subs: Patterson, Neil, Rigg, O'Nien, Mayenda, Brobbey, Talbi, Adingra, Mundle
Pep Guardiola has opted to bring Rayan Cherki back into the XI, with Tijjani Reijnders dropping to the bench.
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What Régis Le Bris has said about Manchester City challenge
The Black Cats face Pep Guardiola’s side just days after drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield, a result which has further underlined their belief that they can get points on the road even from the toughest of assignments. The Sunderland head coach says the team are excited about the challenge but are under no illusions as to just how dangerous the hosts will be.
"Another tough challenge, but an exciting one once again," Le Bris said.
"This league is like that. You don't have time to recover. Switch on and let's go again. Looking forward to playing this game. We are building our confidence through different experiences.
“Our knowledge, our collective knowledge as well is positive. But now Manchester City are probably one of the best teams in this league with the ball. So we know the pitch is big and we know that we'll face one of the toughest challenges this season. So let's recover properly, quickly and give our best."
Sunderland will be tasked with trying to manage striker Erling Haaland, who has scored a remarkable 33 goals across 24 appearances for club and country so far this season.
“We will have to try collectively [to stop him], I don't think it is possible individually,” Le Bris said.
“He did well against Fulham once again. When he has time and connection in the middle, they are really dangerous in that part of the pitch. We’ll prepare so that we are not too exposed in that area. It will be different but it’s still important to stay alert. We won’t have the choice, we know how strong Manchester City can be.”
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