Régis Le Bris is weighing up some major decisions as Sunderland face Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
The club’s injury situation at the club has improved significantly over the break, leaving the Sunderland head coach with some very welcome selection dilemmas. Here, we take a look at what the starting XI and bench could look like as Sunderland look to start the final stretch of the campaign with three crucial points...
Le Bris confirmed on Friday that Roefs was fit to return from a hamstring issue and though Melker Ellborg has deputised well, it would be a major shock if he didn't come straight back into the XI
1. GK - Robin Roefs
Le Bris confirmed on Friday that Roefs was fit to return from a hamstring issue and though Melker Ellborg has deputised well, it would be a major shock if he didn't come straight back into the XI | Getty Images
Mukiele returned to the bench for the Tyne-Wear derby but Sunderland opted to take a cautious approach. Le Bris has said he is fit to start this one and he is a very, very difficult player to leave out.
Would be harsh on Geertruida and so you wonder if Mukiele will shift infield to centre back - but he was vital in this position for so much of the season.
2. RB - Nordi Mukiele
Mukiele returned to the bench for the Tyne-Wear derby but Sunderland opted to take a cautious approach. Le Bris has said he is fit to start this one and he is a very, very difficult player to leave out. Would be harsh on Geertruida and so you wonder if Mukiele will shift infield to centre back - but he was vital in this position for so much of the season. | Getty Images
With Dan Ballard still out with a hamstring injury, there's a strong case for continuing with O'Nien who was so impressive in the second half at Newcastle.
The other option is to move Mukiele in at centre back and leave Geertruida at right back.
3. CB - Luke O'Nien
With Dan Ballard still out with a hamstring injury, there's a strong case for continuing with O'Nien who was so impressive in the second half at Newcastle. The other option is to move Mukiele in at centre back and leave Geertruida at right back. | Getty Images
Has roared back from a slight dip in form around the turn of the year with some top-class displays in recent weeks. A massive part of some very important results for Sunderland at a tricky time in their season in terms of injuries.
4. CB - Omar Alderete
Has roared back from a slight dip in form around the turn of the year with some top-class displays in recent weeks. A massive part of some very important results for Sunderland at a tricky time in their season in terms of injuries. | Chris Fryatt