Sunderland play their second fixture of the Europa League league phase on Thursday evening
Sunderland are back in Europa League action against SCU Torreense on Thursday evening in Leiria, and Régis Le Bris has confirmed that he has a number of injury concerns to manage.
Striker Wilson Isidor is a fresh doubt after picking up a knock in the 2-0 defeat to Brighton, and did not train on Wednesday at the Academy of Light before the Black Cats flew out to Portugal. While Brian Brobbey did train and has travelled, Sunderland are determined to be cautious with the striker given the importance of the weeks and months ahead. Similarly, Habib Diarra is back training and looks set to return to the squad from a hamstring injury but will have his minutes carefully managed. Timur Tutierov trained with the senior group on Wednesday and looks to be involved with the squad, and could even be handed a shock start if neither Isidor or Brobbey are ready.
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Covering all of North East England and Cumbria, Amari Plastics launched in 1975 and has built a reputation as the region's leading plastic distributor. During this time, we’ve established strong working relationships with businesses in three main market sectors: sign, display & large format printing, building & construction and industrial & engineering.placeholder image
Covering all of North East England and Cumbria, Amari Plastics launched in 1975 and has built a reputation as the region's leading plastic distributor. During this time, we’ve established strong working relationships with businesses in three main market sectors: sign, display & large format printing, building & construction and industrial & engineering. | Amari Plastics
Another confirmed absentee is Thomas Meunier, who Le Bris confirmed would miss the game after picking up a hamstring injury on Saturday. The injury is not serious and he is expected back soon, but with Dan Ballard a long-term term absentee it does mean that Le Bris is missing some key defensive options. Romaine Mundle is the club's other injury absentee, but Le Bris did hint he has one or two other knocks within the squad.
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As was the case against AZ Alkmaar, a number of senior players will not be involved as UEFA's homegrown registration rules left Sunderland needing to leave some out. Juan Riquelme Angulo was brought in as the club's third striker on deadline day, but has not been registered for the league phase - hence why Tutierov could be set for a big opportunity. Chemsdine Talbi was not registered as at the time he was in talks over a potential move abroad. Had Talbi ultimately departed, Sunderland would not have been able to replace him in their squad. Jocelin Ta Bi, Alan Browne and Melker Ellborg were all also left out of the squad and so won't be involved here. It means that while some changes are inevitable, Le Bris actually doesn’t have too much scope for rotation and a strong XI is certain here.
The Echo’s Europa League coverage is sponsored byAmari Plastics. Covering all of North East England and Cumbria, Amari Plastics launched in 1975 and has built a reputation as the region's leading plastic distributor. During this time, we’ve established strong working relationships with businesses in three main market sectors: sign, display & large format printing, building & construction and industrial & engineering.