Sunderland are assessing a number of new injury concerns
Régis Le Bris says his versatile players are going to be vital if he is facing a number of new injuries at Sunderland.
The head coach had seen Reinildo and Dennis Cirkin pick up injuries in the build up to the 3-1 defeat against Fulham, though in Cirkin's case the issue is not thought to be serious. The Black Cats then picked up a number of new concerns during the course of the game, with Nordi Mukiele and Jocelin Ta Bi forced off in the first half of the contest. Speaking directly afterwards, Le Bris revealed that Brian Brobbey and Romaine Mundle were additional concerns.
Sunderland do not have a huge squad and Le Bris says he will need to lean on the versatility of players like Trai Hume, Luke O'Nien and Lutsharel Geertruida if any of those players are facing an extended absence.
"We know that we have two or three versatile players and it's always really interesting to have those players because you never know what will happen," Le Bris said.
"If you watch Liverpool, for example, their right back position has been difficult. For us, probably the distribution is a bit different, but you still need two or three players able to manage different options. It would be the case for Luke, it would be the case for Trai, Lucha, they have this ability."
The Black Cats are hopeful that Bertrand Traoré will resume training this week, adding some welcome experience to Le Bris's squad for the upcoming period.
Le Bris says those who could be about to be presented with a significant opportunity will need time to reach their best level, but is confident that they can deliver.
"They will have this opportunity," Le Bris said.
"You often need a bit of time to step up because it's not easy starting on the bench with a huge amount of game time. Then maybe you'll be a starter for two or three or four games. It's not easy, but I think it's the life of a professional footballer. You train well and when the opportunity comes you have to see it."
Le Bris will offer an update on the club's injury list at his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Le Bris explains Granit Xhaka call
While Granit Xhaka made his eagerly-awaited return from injury in the second half against Fulham, Le Bris warned after the game that the extent of his involvement at Bournemouth this weekend will depend on how his ankle reacts to his recent workload.
"Today this was the maximum, we'll manage his game time progressively." Le Bris said.
"It's a condition we have to accept. We'll have to see the reaction this week [to today] and if he's ok, it might be the case [that he can start] the next fixture."
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