Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has given a positive update over the availability of defender Chris Mepham.
The Black Cats are set to face off against Derby County on Tuesday evening, with Sunderland hoping to get back to winning ways.
The out-of-form Derby County clash will provide an opportunity for Sunderland to put pressure on the sides in-and-around them in the ongoing hunt for promotion.
Ahead of the clash, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will have to deal with several absentees from his side, from attackers Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson, to the likes of Aji Alese in the backline.
One player whose availability for the upcoming Championship game was in doubt was Chris Mepham, and the French boss has issued an update on the centre-back’s fitness.
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Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris issues ‘available’ verdict over Chris Mepham ahead of Derby County
Sunderland defender Mepham has been a revelation since he signed for the club on the summer deadline day.
It is clear that, if Mepham was available, he would be one of the first names on the teamsheet due to his ability to deal with Derby County’s strengths in regards to height and strength.
Luckily for the Black Cats, it looks like Mepham will be in contention for a start against Derby County, as confirmed by Le Bris in his pre-match press conference, who said: “He is good, he’s available, he trained this morning with no problem. Probably just cramp.”
The Sunderland centre-back was replaced during the clash with Burnley by Dan Ballard after the Welshman pulled up.
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Regis Le Bris has the luxury of centre-back choice ahead of Derby County clash
Whilst it certainly would have been a blow for Le Bris and Sunderland if they were to have to travel to Derby County without the capabilities of Mepham in-and-around the side, there would have been the silver lining of Ballard notching game time as a result.
It could very well be that Ballard does still come in for Mepham for several reasons, one of which being the fact that he could do with a rest, despite the lack of concerns over injury, especially with Sunderland coming up against a lower opposition.
Le Bris could also utilise Ballard, purely due to the fact that he is still a brilliant option to have at the back, something that is a testament to the recruitment team, who have given Le Bris top level options at centre-back.