Sunderland are now close to a fully fit squad of players for the final stretch of the campaign
Régis Le Bris is relishing the prospect of a potentially a major selection dilemma at Sunderland when Granit Xhaka returns to fitness.
Xhaka is expected to miss Fulham's visit to the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon as he continues his recovery from an ankle issue, but should be back in action either later this month or in early March. The influential midfielder has been a big miss and will almost certainly come back into the XI at the base of midfield when fully fit, leaving Le Bris with a potential dilemma.
Noah Sadiki has been a vital player this season and Habib Diarra has been excellent since returning from injury, but Enzo Le Fée has arguably been in the best form of his Sunderland career since moving back into a central role earlier this year. Picking three out of four will not be easy but Le Bris says he hopes it is a decision he has to make, noting that extra strength in depth will be key to Sunderland going to the next level as a team.
"We'll see," Le Bris said.
"This is the ideal situation but it's not often the case - I would like to have the full squad and a good level of competition. It means that like Arsenal, you can start with 11 players and then after 60 or 65 minutes have three, four, five players available who can give more energy and the x Factor.
"That's the level you need in the Premier League. If we can have this situation I'd be happy - it won't be tough for me."
Le Bris believes the return of Diarra will be key for Sunderland, both for the rest of this campaign and beyond.
"Absolutely, It's important to have a new signing, or like a new signing," Le Bris said.
"He's really well connected with the lads. He missed those months and doesn't have the same level of experience, but so far he's worked really well. Tactically he's been really good, it's a good sign for us. He was determined to get back but it was also important for him to heal properly. This type of injury might be serious so we took a good period and didn't rush. We prepared him for his national team and then he was ready to play."
Time and date set for Sunderland’s FA Cup fifth round tie
The date and kick off time for Sunderland’s FA Cup fifth round clash have been confirmed - though fans will not know the destination until just days before.
The Black Cats beat Oxford United in the fourth round at the Kassam Stadium on Sunday, and were subsequently drawn against Port Vale or Bristol City. The two had been due to play at Vale Park over the weekend but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Sunderland will face the winner of that rearranged fixture on Sunday, March 8th. The game will kick off at 1.30pm and will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+. The Black Cats will not know the actual destination of their trip until Tuesday, March 3rd - when the pair will play their fourth round tie.
Sunderland will earn £120,000 as a broadcast fee, and the winner will also pocket £238,500 in additional prize money. Port Vale are currently struggling at the foot of League One, 12 points adrift of safety having recently replaced boss Darren Moore with former Northampton boss Jon Brady. Bristol City sit ninth in the Championship under boss Gerhard Struber, but just one point off the play-off places.
Continue Reading