The Sunderland head coach has issued an injury update ahead of the clash with Brighton
Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey will both miss Sunderland’s clash with Brighton on Saturday, but that the Dutch striker is expected to be in action soon.
Both suffered hamstring injuries on international duty and Ballard is expected to be absent until at least after the next international break in November. Brobbey, however, could be in action in around a week.
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The Sunderland head coach also confirmed that Habib Diarra is around a week away from a return.
“It’s a shame for Ballard because he was in a good place and will be sidelined for a few weeks. It’s a medium-term injury and we’ll keep you updated. Brian and Habib are on a similar schedule and will be available soon.”
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Le Bris confirmed that Diarra was close to being cleared for a return to competitive action after picking up an injury in the 1-0 win over Fulham earlier this season.
“Habib is really close,” Le Bris said.
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“He's in a good place. Almost every session is done for the full recovery So, in around one week he'll be fully available. With Brian, it’s going to be short term [as well]. It's really positive, we were a bit worried when we saw the video but Brian, just after the game, wasn't too worried because he experienced different injuries in the past. This one, he was adamant that it wasn't too serious and it's the case. We won't take too many risks, but it won't be too long.”
Brobbey’s injury is likely to mean that Juan Riquelmo Angulo comes into the squad after scoring his first international goal for Ecuador during the international break. Sunderland have no new injury concerns, with Reinildo available again after serving a one-game suspension in the 5-3 defeat to Manchester City.
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