Enzo Le Fée has praised Sunderland’s squad depth after a busy summer, with those options potentially set to be tested following injury scares
Enzo Le Fée believes Sunderland's summer recruitment has left Régis Le Bris with the depth required to compete on several fronts – and that strength could now be tested following injury scares involving Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard.
Le Fée made the comments after Sunderland opened their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar. Four days later, the Black Cats went toe-to-toe with Manchester City at the Etihad, eventually losing 5-3 despite Brobbey scoring a superb hat-trick.
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The international break has since brought unwanted news. Brobbey was forced off while representing the Netherlands with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, before Ballard suffered a similar-looking issue playing for Northern Ireland the following night.
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Sunderland do, however, have significantly greater options than in previous seasons. Trai Hume, Dayann Methalie, Kevin Danso, Nordi Mukiele, Thomas Meunier, Omar Alderete, Luke O'Nien and Reinildo Mandava all give Le Bris alternatives across defence if Ballard is unavailable.
Wilson Isidor provides a recognised option through the middle should Brobbey face time out. On the wings, Le Bris can also call upon Malick Fofana, Nilson Angulo and Chemsdine Talbi, while Jules Ahoka and Chris Rigg provide further competition in midfield.
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"Yeah, of course," Le Fée said when asked about whether Sunderland have better depth now. "But I think the club worked really well in pre-season. They bring a lot of players with a lot of quality, and I think now the team's getting better. I think every player, even on the bench, could play this game, could start this game. So we have a good group, and it will help us to perform."
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