Sunderland return to action with Championship clash vs Plymouth Argyle this weekend.
Sunderland get back underway in the Championship on Saturday afternoon where they face Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats will look to maintain their perfect start against early strugglers Plymouth.
Sunderland sit in 1st place of the Championship table after four wins from four this season, whilst Plymouth sit in 22nd with just two points from a possible 12.
Last time out, Sunderland beat Portsmouth 3-1, with goals coming from Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle, as well as an own goal.
During this month’s international break, Sunderland have seen several of their first-team players head abroad to play in international games.
Among those are Dan Ballard and Trai Hume for Northern Ireland, Leo Hjelde, Chris Mepham, Browne, Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham, and Milan Aleksic.
Given the intense style of play at Sunderland under Le Bris, the Frenchman will be hoping that his players away on international duty return injury-free, and ready to get stuck into the Championship.
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Sunderland injury boost ahead of Plymouth Argyle
Now, Sunderland Echo are reporting that several of Sunderland’s players currently on international duty are in contention to feature vs Plymouth Argyle this weekend, likely as starters.
Among those are defenders Ballard and Hume, and Rigg who’s linked with Real Madrid after an impressive start to the 2024/25 season.
Meanwhile, the same report adds that Welsh centre-back Mepham seems to be in contention to make his debut against Plymouth this weekend.
Aleksic meanwhile could be someone who Le Bris turns to in the coming weeks.
Deadline day signing Salis Abdul Samed arrived with a pre-existing injury, whilst Le Bris has said Ahmed Abdullahi will need time to get into the fold.
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Regis Le Bris is well-stocked at Sunderland after deadline day
Sunderland haven’t always had good squad depth; in fact, in the Championship, Sunderland have often found themselves lacking across the pitch.
But their deadline day haul has given them depth through the spine of the team and the Sunderland owners and Kristjaan Speakman will be excited to see what Le Bris can do with these new faces.
Most importantly for Le Bris, though will be maintaining this perfect start to the season, and having the likes of Rigg, Ballard, and Hume returning from international duty without injury is a huge positive.
The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.