Regis Le Bris explains why Leo Hjelde was not in Sunderland squad despite travelling to Millwall

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Sunderland’s Leo Hjelde didn’t see any of the action against Millwall this weekend, in spite of being with the squad for the trip to London.

Regis Le Bris saw his Sunderland side play out a 1-1 draw against a strong Millwall team on Saturday evening, in a game interrupted by an emergency issue in the stands.

With play suspended just before half-time, the two teams came out 30 minutes later to resume play, and the tie went right down to the wire, with the home side nabbing a point in injury time.

Le Bris has admitted Millwall deserved their goal, and a point away from home against one of the top sides in the Championship so far this season is nothing to be ashamed of.

But, one real concern to come out of the game is a number of injuries within the Sunderland squad, and Leo Hjelde is among those despite being spotted with the team on Saturday.

• READ MORE: Aaron Connolly shares Sunderland goals target after scoring first for club vs Millwall

Leo Hjelde and Nazariy Rusyn not thought to have major injuries

The young Norwegian full-back was largely expected to start the game, after it was revealed Dennis Cirkin needs surgery on a broken wrist.

However, Hjelde was then excluded from the matchday squad, but the Sunderland manager has provided a little update on his condition, as well as the situation surrounding Nazariy Rusyn, who also missed the Millwall game.

Le Bris told the Sunderland Echo: “Leo [Hjelde] and Naz [Rusyn] were both injured, we don’t think they are major injuries but they weren’t available for us on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Connolly, who bagged his first goal for the Black Cats against Millwall, was brought off in the second half, but it is said that was merely a precaution with the player experiencing a dizzy spell during the game.

• READ MORE: Sunderland ‘real threat’ just sent one very clear message to Regis Le Bris in Millwall display

Injuries could see Sunderland come unstuck this season

Sunderland have made a fantastic, and rather surprising, start to the Championship campaign, and to be sitting at the top of the table after 16 games is quite the feat for Le Bris in his first year in England.

They face a really tough run of games now, which started with the Millwall clash, and will see them face West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United before the month is out. Those games will be a real test of Sunderland’s chances of being title contenders this year.

The loss of Cirkin is a real blow for the Black Cats, as the defender has been a standout star so far this season. That said, the report does claim the Irishman could be back after a “short recovery period,” which will be a huge boost.

As with any team, getting through the season without suffering too many injuries is absolutely key to sustained success. If Sunderland can survive with just the odd absence here and there, they have a real shot of going all the way and securing a return to the top flight this season.