Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has a selection head-scratcher on his hands ahead of his side’s home clash against Millwall on Saturday.
With the latest international break over, Sunderland are preparing for the visit of Alex Neil’s Millwall on Saturday afternoon, as Regis Le Bris’ side look to return to winning ways.
Last time out before the break Sunderland were beaten 3-0 by Coventry, in a performance some Sunderland supporters labelled as ‘lazy’, a far cry from the typically intense Black Cats style under Le Bris.
Sunderland supporters will be hoping the break has offered Le Bris’ squad an opportunity to recharge their batteries ahead of the pivotal Championship run-in, with eight crucial clashes to go as the Black Cats battle to cement their probable playoff fate, starting with Millwall.
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Tensions are higher this weekend as ‘villain’ former boss Neil returns to the Stadium of Light, and Sunderland boss Le Bris will be forced to make some bold decisions – particularly in defence – with the difficult injury revelations he has been dealt with this week.
Sunderland hit by major injury concerns for Saturday’s Millwall clash
Le Bris revealed Sunderland’s major double injury blow in his pre-Millwall press conference this week, that first-choice left-back Dennis Cirkin and fellow left-sided defender Leo Hjelde will both be missing against the Lions.
Injury concerns arose in the Coventry defeat for Sunderland full-back Cirkin, who was substituted off during the second half with a hamstring injury, causing the former Spurs youngster to also miss out on his maiden England Under-21s call-up.
Le Bris explained: “[Dennis Cirkin] Probably 2 or 3 weeks more from now… yes sure [it’s a blow], the season was like that with many injuries and opportunities for other players.”
22-year-old Cirkin has been in impressive form this season but Hjelde has proven himself to be a capable deputy. Worryingly for Sunderland, Le Bris has compiled the misery with news that the Norwegian will also be sidelined for Saturday.
Le Bris added: “[Leo Hjelde] shouldn’t be available for Saturday… we will find a solution with a versatile player.”
On top of that Le Bris outlined that centre-back Jenson Seelt – who recently returned after a long lay-off – “will have to wait maybe one or two weeks to be very clear and fresh” after suffering another injury setback meaning he will also be unavailable in defence this weekend.
With defenders Dan Ballard, Aji Alese and Niall Huggins all also out, Le Bris may turn to under-21s full-back Oli Bainbridge given the academy talent ‘trains regularly’ with the first-team.
Forgotten man Joe Anderson may also be in contention to make his first of the Championship season thus far.
Positive news regarding Trai Hume, who was withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad due to injury concerns – has quelled some of the fanbase’s backline worries, but Le Bris will still be forced to make a less-than-ideal defensive selection call for Millwall’s visit.
How might Regis Le Bris set Sunderland up for Millwall
Starting from the back, Anthony Patterson will inevitably start between the sticks, whilst Luke O’Nien and Chris Mepham retain their place at centre-back following the Sky Blues hammering. Hume should be capable of filling-in at left-back having played 13 times there in his career so far.
As far as Hume’s subsequent cover at right-back, Alan Browne will make a sufficient deputy having occasionally played that role at former club Preston.
As for the midfield, Black Cats boss Le Bris has become accustomed to using Dan Neil – recently tracked by Roma – as the defensive midfielder with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham both in more advanced roles either side of him.
On the wings, the Sunderland boss will likely employ Patrick Roberts and Romain Mundle on the right and left flanks respectively. Both Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda have been impressive this season, with ‘really good’ Mayenda earning praise from Le Bris in particular.
However, Le Bris will likely return 12-goal top scorer Isidor to the starting XI after the Frenchman was dropped for the Sky Blues, a move which Neil is expecting with Sunderland ‘difference-maker’ Isidor.
The forward’s persistent goal-threat will be imperative as Sunderland look to come out of the traps flying for the season run-in.