Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has been questioned about the absence of one rarely seen star.
With the January transfer window looming for Regis Le Bris and Sunderland, it is clear that some additions are needed, however, the French boss certainly won’t be looking for several names to come through the door.
It is clear that Le Bris thrives when working with a smaller group, as seen by the repetitions in his team selection, no matter if Sunderland are in-or-out of form.
For example, the likes of Adil Aouchiche and Milan Aleksic are raring for their opportunity in the centre-of-the-park, but have been handed just a combined 71 minutes in the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Another player that has rarely seen action this season is Leo Hjelde, with the left-back currently sitting behind Dennis Cirkin in the pecking order, and Le Bris has been asked about the defender’s lack of action ahead of the January transfer window.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris explains Leo Hjelde absence ahead of January transfer window
Black Cats full-back Hjelde has been handed very limited action by Le Bris so far in the 2024/25 Championship action, being given just six minutes on the grass this season across five substitute appearances.
With so little action this season, Le Bris was always going to be questioned over the future of the Norwegian 21-year-old, where, per Sunderland Echo, he responded: “He’s a very important player for the team and is always ready.
“He struggled a little bit during pre-season, I think this part of the season was tough for him because last season he didn’t play a lot and was injured. But so far he’s been very important in training sessions and in the dressing room. He’s been very important when he’s had to come on the pitch to help the team. He’s always ready.
“He knows this part of the squad is the strongest at the minute because we have many players and he has to wait. But it’s still possible that the opportunity will come. He knows that. In football sometimes you have to wait and for the staff, the coach, the team and the club this sort of player is very important.
“We’ll see for January but I repeat he’s very important for us.”
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Dennis Cirkin form will provide insight into Leo Hjelde mentality
Unfortunately for Hjelde, Cirkin’s current form at left-back for Sunderland has meant that he is undroppable in Le Bris’ side, and there is no doubt that he will continue to be utilised as part of the starting 11.
Whilst it is an unfortunate situation for Hjelde to be sat on the bench for the foreseeable future at just 21-years-old, it will truly give the French boss a reflection on his character, and that should certainly pay its dividends in the future.
Looking at Le Bris’ comments on the youngster, it is clear that Le Bris doesn’t believe that Hjelde is even slightly unsettled by his lack of game time, and that patience will hopefully pay off with more opportunities soon.
Admittedly, Le Bris could utilise his substitutions more optimally, as Hjelde could be a solid option to bring off the bench. Patience will be key from Hjelde as the solution can’t simply be a January move with the current lack of depth in the area, so he must sit tight and continue to show that patience that Le Bris has praised him for.