Regis Le Bris issues Sunderland team news update ahead of Newcastle United game
A key Sunderland midfielder is said to be attracting interest from Premier League rivals
Régis Le Bris says speculation linking Premier League clubs with a move for midfielder Noah Sadiki is a positive reflection of Sunderland’s progress this season.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old midfielder, who has made a superb start to life on Wearside and has been a key part of the team’s strong start. Sadiki signed a five-year contract when he joined from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer, leaving the club in a very strong position if any interest does materialise over the next couple of transfer windows.
“It's positive for us,” Le Bris said.
“It doesn't mean Noah will leave. He's a good player, a strong player for Sunderland. It means we're doing well with young players and more experienced players as well. That's the market.”
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Régis Le Bris’s team news update ahead of Wear-Tyne derby
Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Reinildo is fit to face Newcastle United in the Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday afternoon.
The left back was absent with a groin issue as the Black Cats lost 3-0 to Manchester City last Saturday but returned to training on Thursday ahead of the game. Le Bris confirmed, as expected, that Habib Diarra will be absent from the game as he recovers groin surgery.
The midfielder could still go to AFCON, though it appears he will not be able to feature in the opening games of the tournament.
“Reinildo is fit, he trained on Thursday and again today,” Le Bris said.
“Habib will train with the group next week. So, full training, ready to go. He'll need probably one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehab programme. Now the decision is with the national team.If they want to select the player, they can.”
Dennis Cirkin is also available after completing three full games for the U21s over recent weeks, and could come back into the squad given Luke O’Nien’s suspension. He will likely have a more prominent role when Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku depart for AFCON next week.
“He's ready and trained properly now for two or three weeks. He's connected with the group and it's good news because now we don't have many injuries. It's important that part for this part of the season.”
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