Sunderland have finally received some "good news" on the injury front in the words of Regis Le Bris, with the Black Cats manager set to welcome back one of his top stars this weekend.
Sunderland still learning, says Le Bris
Le Bris insisted Sunderland are learning during a “difficult run” in their Premier League campaign.
The Black Cats impressed during the first half of the season, but form has dipped in the Premier League recently, where they only have two wins from nine league games so far in 2026.
They go into Saturday’s clash at Bournemouth on a three-game losing run in the league and are 12th in the table, but Le Bris believes his team are learning from the tough patch they currently find themselves in.
He said: “We are going through a difficult run which is not comfortable, we don’t like it. But it’s part of the process, we are in a tough league, a newly-promoted side, a young team with injuries, suspensions, different events.
Nordi-Mukiele
“We expected that, probably a bit earlier, it’s not the best period from a result perspective but for the foundations of the club, for the foundations of the team, we are learning a lot.
“It’s often during these tough phases that you are learning more because you need to stick to your plan, stick to your identity, stay united, stay calm and to work more. I think it is the case even if the results are not positive.”
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Sunderland have been dealt a cruel hand on the fitness front, but Le Bris may have the perfect solution up front.
Sunderland’s injuries have suddenly mounted since Sunday’s defeat to Fulham, with fresh problems for Romaine Mundle, Jocelin Ta Bi, Nordi Mukiele and Brian Brobbey.
However, the manager has finally received some positive news in the injury department.
Xhaka set to return to Sunderland starting line-up vs Bournemouth
Switzerland's Granit Xhaka applauds fans after the match
Indeed, both Granit Xhaka and Bertrand Traore will be fit for the clash with the Cherries, with Xhaka fit to start for the first time since mid-January having played around 20 minutes last time out against Fulham.
“(Traore) returned to full training this week and Granit as well played 20 minutes (against Fulham), reacted well so good news,” said Le Bris.
Xhaka is currently Sunderland's top earner, and the manager has been full of praise for his leadership qualities: “To be competitive at that level, you need to own the performance on the pitch.
Rank Player Wage per week
1 Granit Xhaka £110,000
2 Nordi Mukiele £100,000
3 Lutsharel Geertruida £85,000
4 Enzo Le Fee £75,000
5 Simon Adingra* £70,000
“For that reason, Granit helps a lot because he can manage elements on the pitch. He is not alone in that but he leads by example.
“He gives this faith. When you play against Chelsea, you believe that you can win. He shows that, he tells us that in the dressing room and everywhere else.
“You want to believe that it is possible, you want to follow him. He is important for that as well.”