Sunderland winger Tommy Watson
Sunderland winger Tommy Watson
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed Ian Poveda will be sidelined for “probably three or four weeks maybe more.” However, he has offered some positive news on Tommy Watson.
Ex-Leeds United winger Poveda suffered a setback in training last week having missed two months with a hamstring injury. He missed the win over Sheffield Wednesday and is now set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
On Poveda, Le Bris said: “We have to wait for him. We don’t know exactly the time to return to play. Probably three or four weeks, maybe more.
“We know he is talented as a winger. His ability to dribble and create something from nothing in short spaces. But so far he wasn’t available for many reasons.”
Poveda's absence has been softened by the return of Tommy Watson. The talented teenager will be in the squad for the visit of Cardiff City but will be restricted to a cameo from the bench.
The 18-year-old's comeback will be his first appearance since Sunderland turned down a £15million bid from Brighton for the winger in the January transfer window. Le Bris inists it won't be an issue for the player, who was accused by some supporters of angling for the move which sporting director Kristjaan Speakman denied.
“We spoke about everything that happened,” said the Black Cats boss. “I think Tommy is clear in his mind. He seems really mature because he had many interests in him, that is true, but at the same time, he was still connected with everything he was doing on a day-by-day basis.
“If you are a footballer, you can be in a high or a low point, but at the same time, it is always important that you stay connected with your job. Tommy has always done that. He has shown this good quality during the different weeks we have had together.”
Brighton are understood to be looking at making a fresh bid for Watson this summer, but Sunderland hope the youngster - who has only started six games for the club - will have helped them to the Premier League themselves by then.
He will have to support from the bench against Cardiff. Romaine Mundle started last Friday’s win at Sheffield Wednesday, and the 21-year-old will once again line up on the left of the Black Cats’ attack against Cardiff.
“It is true that Tommy is still very young,” Le Bris told the Northern Echo. “I hope we will have the luxury of Romaine being able to start at the beginning, and then Tommy available for the last few minutes.
“Maybe ten or 15 minutes to start with, and then after that, we can build it up to 20 or 25. If we have both players available, then we can build things up like that, and that would be a good idea for us.”