Sunderland have been given an injury boost as Regis Le Bris confirms that a star is in line to make the squad for their FA Cup clash against Oxford United.
Le Bris' side head to Oxford's Kassam Stadium on Sunday for their first FA Cup fourth round appearance since 2023, where they'll tackle Championship strugglers desperate to end years of early exits.
Sunderland players after beating Everton
The Black Cats sit ninth in the Premier League despite recent setbacks, including Tuesday's narrow 1-0 home defeat against Liverpool.
Sunderland's league form has dipped slightly following their earlier season brilliance, yet they remain firmly positioned chasing European qualification and just three points behind sixth-placed Liverpool.
Oxford scraped through the third round via a penalty shootout against MK Dons following a 1-1 draw, finally breaking their curse of repeated early eliminations.
Yet their current form looks dreadful, winless across four matches, including last week's heavy 3-0 home thumping by Norwich.
The U's are 23rd in the Championship and struggle desperately to find goals. Manager Matt Bloomfield's possession-based approach hasn't translated into results, leaving Oxford vulnerable against superior opposition.
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Sunderland progressed past Everton on penalties themselves after a goalless stalemate at Goodison Park, with goalkeeper Robin Roefs delivering shootout heroics.
Le Bris confirmed he'll rotate his squad following the demanding double-header against Arsenal and Liverpool, though he insists Sunderland will still field a strong team.
Omar Alderete will rest after struggling with a foot injury, whilst captain Granit Xhaka remains sidelined with the ankle problem that's kept him out for weeks.
Xhaka-Sunderland
Bertrand Traore also misses out following his knee injury, requiring several more weeks of recovery.
Le Bris hinted Robin Roefs will retain the gloves, stating "the key message is to go strong" despite rotation plans.
Oxford hold bragging rights from last April's 2-0 victory, yet Sunderland's Premier League quality should prove overwhelming against struggling opponents.
Meanwhile, January signing Jocelin Ta Bi could feature in the matchday squad for the first time after recently returning to full training following his ankle injury recovery.
Le Bris confirms Ta Bi recovery with Sunderland debut possible
Speaking to reporters, Le Bris confirmed that the Ivorian, who Sunderland beat Celtic to sign last month, could be in line to make his debut against Oxford.
“Yes, Jocelin is ready,” Le Bris said.
“He might be in the squad. He was the 21st player against Liverpool but we decided to stay safe, but now he’s ready.”
The 21-year-old winter recruit has been suffering with an ankle problem since even before his transfer from Hapoel Petah Tikva, but he could finally don red and white for the first time on Sunday.
Ta Bi racked up seven goals and five assists in 40 appearances before joining Le Bris' men in January, and his debut has been highly anticipated for weeks.
A run out against Oxford would give him a perfect introduction to life in English football, not to mention an opportunity to dazzle against opposition who have been poor all campaign.
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