Sunderland are in Premier League action on Monday night when they face Burnley at the Stadium of Light
Régis Le Bris has made two changes his to his Sunderland starting XI to face Burnley.
Habib Diarra makes his first start for the club since 2-1 win over Brentford in August, and is expected to line up in central midfield as he did in the second half at West Ham. Le Bris appears to keeping the faith with Trai Hume in a hybrid role on the right flank, with the back four unchanged from the defeat at the London Stadium. Diarra replaces Eliezer Mayenda, who drops to the bench. Le Bris has also made an additional change on the left flank, with Chemsdine Talbi returning to the side ahead of Romaine Mundle. Mundle is named on the bench, but there is no Simon Adingra as a potential late loan deal to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco nears. The French side are racing to sign Adingra before the deadline, which in turn could allow for Sunderland to push through a move for Anderlecht winger Nilson Angulo. Both of those deals are dependent on Schalke signing Adil Aouchiche on a permanent deal before the deadline, which will free up the international loan slot Sunderland need to sanction Adingra's departure.
Lutsharel Geertruida is named on the bench after a dramatic weekend in which Liverpool made a late big to take over his loan from RB Leipzig. There was no recall clause in his season-long loan and Sunderland eventually blocked the move as they could not secure a replacement in time. With a decision made on Sunday not to proceed with the move, it’s unclear to what extent it disrupted the versatile campaigner’s involvement in preparation for the game.
With Leo Hjelde joining Sheffield United on loan earlier on deadline day, youngster Jenson Jones has been brought into the squad as cover in both full back positions. And with January signing Melker Ellborg not yet eligible for selection, Simon Moore is back up to Robin Roefs on the bench.
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra, Le Fee; Hume, Talbi, Brobbey
Subs: Moore, Cirkin, O’Nien, Geertruida, Rigg, Mundle, Mayenda, Isidor, Jenson Jones
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