The Sunderland head coach has confirmed a double injury blow ahead of the clash with Chelsea
Régis Le Bris is expecting to be without both Omar Alderete and Chemsdine Talbi for Sunderland’s European showdown with Chelsea.
Alderete is facing a late fitness test after aggravating a hip issue during Sunderland’s 3-1 win over Everton last week, while the head coach has already ruled Talbi out of the game. The winger has picked up an injury in training, with Bertrand Traoré expected to take his place on the bench for Chelsea’s visit.
Luke O’Nien is likely to start at centre back after starring from the bench at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“It might be difficult,” Le Bris said of Alderete.
“We'll make a late decision tomorrow after the training session but it will be difficult for him [to play]. At the minute our only other issue is Chemsdine. He will be sidelined for this game, he picked up a muscle injury this week at the end of one of the sessions.”
Régis Le Bris on final day clash with Chelsea
Sunderland could qualify for European competition should they win and other results go their way. Le Bris said that would be an 'exceptional' achievement but the result on Sunday won't define the campaign for the Black Cats.
"At the minute we have 51 points, an opportunity to get three more points to reach 54, which is impressive for the first season back in the Premier League after eight years away," Le Bris said.
"We played good football, we respected the identity, we grew, we learned, we improved, we struggled at times as well, which is normal in that league. We'll have an opportunity to get three more points and if the planets align elsewhere maybe something exceptional can happen but it's not fully in our hands."
Le Bris added that he and his staff won’t be following results elsewhere.
He said: “We won't do that directly. I think in the stands, everywhere, we'll have information. For us, the most important is to win. Chelsea is a really strong opponent. We can't underestimate Chelsea, it's impossible. They have game-changers, they have talent everywhere on the pitch. We have to play our best football and that's enough.”
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