One first-team player is edging closer to a return following his short cameo with the under-21 team.
This season, Sunderland have had several issues with players picking up injuries. Notably, the Black Cats have had a void of players in either flank due to the fitness issues involving the likes of Romaine Mundle, Tommy Watson and Ian Poveda, who have all undergone lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has had a difficult job in managing such a short squad in regards to personnel but has succeeded in maintaining the Black Cats’ promotion push, with Mundle and Watson notably edging closer to a return to football.
Another man who has been out for a significantly long period of time is Dutch centre-back Jenson Seelt, whose last game came in the 2023/24 Championship season where he sustained a major knee injury.
After over 10 months out of action, the 21-year-old is nearing a return to first-team football following his recent steps.
Sunderland centre-back Jenson Seelt speaks about ‘frustrating’ injury and praises support from Regis Le Bris
Dutch defender Seelt was a staple point of Sunderland’s side at the halfway point of the 2023/24 season, notching 19 appearances in the campaign until it ended abruptly with a knee injury.
The blow saw him need surgery and undergo major rehabilitation in order to return to action.
Following the difficult period of the Dutchman’s career, he has spoken to the club after he notched an appearance for the U21’s as he looks to get his career back on track, as he said: “It felt amazing. I have worked so hard for this moment.
“This is obviously just the first steps but to be back out there, doing what I love, is the main thing. The time away from the group was really challenging.
“I’d like to think I have always had a positive attitude, accepting that the recovery was always going to be slow. When I look back, I have worked really hard. I have proved to myself I can overcome adversity.
“The Gaffer has been massively supportive. He gave me a really good feeling from the beginning. He was open to speak to, making sure I was always involved. It has been frustrating to be sidelined but also brilliant to see the team succeeding.
“It is only a motivation to see so many of our young players doing well. We look fresh and I’m excited to fight for my place. I will continue building my minutes after being out for so long. It’s small steps but this is an exciting time.”
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Jenson Seelt optimism and patience will be rewarded by Regis Le Bris
It is brilliant that Le Bris has been so supportive of an individual on his side that he is yet to see in action, and that will certainly give Seelt confidence that he will eventually make a return to first-team football.
For the French boss, he is very likely to take the cautious approach with the defender, only slotting him in for limited minutes when needed, and whilst this may be difficult for Seelt, his patience at this moment will certainly be rewarded further down the line.
Le Bris doesn’t often turn towards the most experienced in the ranks to make a difference, so there is every chance that Seelt could find himself eventually as one of the club’s top centre-backs, a reason why the Dutch 21-year-old should be optimistic about his return, but it will take time to get to that point.