Sunderland were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their latest Premier League fixture
Régis Le Bris says Sunderland are still playing a waiting game on the extent of Granit Xhaka’s ankle injury, but confirmed that he will miss this week’s fixtures.
Xhaka was present at the Emirates Stadium as Sunderland fell to a 3-0 defeat against his former club but was unable to take part, and has been absent from the squad since the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The Black Cats face Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night, before their FA Cup fourth round tie at Oxford United next Sunday.
The 33-year-old is expected to miss both and is at this stage a doubt for the Fulham and Bournemouth fixtures that follow, though Sunderland will closely monitor his progress.
“We don't know yet on Granit,” Le Bris said.
“Probably two or three weeks. We'll see according to his feeling and just wait a bit.”
Le Bris is hopeful that Noah Sadiki has not picked up an injury despite coming off in the second half at Arsenal with what appeared to be a muscle complaint.
Le Bris said: “He struggled a bit with a bit of discomfort but I think he’ll be OK.”
Bertrand Traoré remains Sunderland’s other senior absentee due to injury.
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Régis Le Bris issues verdict on Arsenal defeat
“Arsenal were relentless,” Le Bris said.
“We showed character and personality with and without the ball. It was the game we expected. We knew Arsenal were really well rounded and have the ability to be impactful from set-pieces and especially after the counter press. We lost two balls and conceded two goals.
“It doesn't mean our game wasn't good. Especially at the beginning of the second half we had a couple of opportunities to be back in the game. We didn't seize those opportunities and against an opponent like Arsenal if you don't seize those few opportunities, the game is gone.”
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