Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has confirmed that one key man is available for the game vs Bristol City.
The Black Cats will welcome Bristol City to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night with Sunderland hoping to make it back-to-back home victories.
Sunderland have struggled lately due to the amount of suspensions and injuries they have had to put up with in recent time, including Romaine Mundle, however the performances of Tommy Watson have certainly lived up to the level that Mundle was delivering prior on in the season.
Dennis Cirkin has also been a big miss for the Black Cats, and Regis Le Bris has confirmed that he is unlikely to be involved yet again for the upcoming clash with Bristol City at home.
Another key man who has been unavailable in recent weeks is Chris Mepham, and Le Bris has revealed whether he will be involved in the upcoming game.
Regis Le Bris confirms Chris Mepham availability for Sunderland vs Bristol City
Sunderland signed Mepham on loan on Deadline Day, and he has been a revelation at the back for the Black Cats this season.
However, the loss against Sheffield United saw him handed a red card, which resulted in a one-match suspension for the Welshman, but Le Bris has confirmed in his press conference today that he will potentially come back into the side against Bristol City.
Le Bris said: “Yes, probably [will be available].
“He’s very important for us because he’s experienced. He knows the level and he’s a good player. So it’s a good problem for me to have and the staff as well to have good players in the same area. They can push each other and when we have an injury or suspension, we still have a good back four. It’s a good problem I think.
“For tomorrow we will see because we have the afternoon to think about the right setup to start. And we know that we have seven games to play until the 4th of January.”
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris reveals Bristol City fears, demands ‘respectful’ approach from Sunderland players
Chris Mepham form warrants instant return to Regis Le Bris’ squad
Sunderland defender Mepham has been a crucial part of the squad, and that has been clear since he replaced the previously injured Dan Ballard and provided stability and assurance in the back-line.
The Black Cats man showed his talents prior to his dismissal against Sheffield United, and that certainly warrants an instant return to the side against Bristol City.
Defensive stability wasn’t exactly non-existent last time out against Stoke City, but it was clear that Mepham’s footprint on the game was missing, and that is certainly enough to suggest that he deserves to be brought straight back into the team.