One Sunderland signing is ‘very close’ to action after joining this summer.
The Black Cats are set to face Middlesbrough in their next Championship game, where they will look to bounce back from their defeat at Plymouth Argyle.
Regis Le Bris will be hoping that his side’s recent defeat will merely be a blip for his side, who will hopefully look to continue their previous form which saw them bag four wins on the bounce.
Following the defeat, it may be a case that Le Bris looks to refresh his side with some of the new signings that were brought in towards the twilight of the summer transfer window, and one that could likely feature is new arrival Wilson Isidor, who has previously impressed in substitute appearances and games for the under 21s.
Many will be hoping to see him handed his first start for Sunderland since his arrival, and Le Bris has indicated whether he will be utilised from the get-go or not.
Wilson Isidor is ‘very close’ to Sunderland start
Le Bris has been bolstered with several attacking options this season, however surprisingly Spanish striker Eliezer Mayenda has tied down his spot in the starting side following a brilliant start to the 2024/25 Championship season, scoring two and contributing the same amount of assists as well.
If it wasn’t for the 19-year-old’s form, it would have been likely that we would have seen more from Isidor at this moment, and Le Bris has revealed that Mayenda has been undroppable up to this point.
Per Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: “I think that Wilson [Isidor] is very close to that now. So then it is a question of dynamic and opportunities, as was the case with Romaine [Mundle] and Eliezer [Mayenda] for example.
“So when the dynamic is right he will have his opportunity to play and he will be ready I am sure, because I trust him.
“We see it in the training sessions [Mayenda’s finishing]. He can score with his right foot or his left.
“He is quick and has a very strong shot. And he has that willingness to score.
“Of course, it depends on the situation and opportunities you may have during a game.
“Sometimes he may have a period without scoring – maybe two, three even six games but will still be working hard for the team.”
Wilson Isidor must be patient and wait for his moment
There are no doubts over Isidor’s ability and what he could potentially offer to Sunderland this season, however the form of the likes of Mayenda, as well as Romaine Mundle, who has been astonishing in taking over from the departed Jack Clarke, has made it much more difficult for him to stake his claim in the side.
It appears from Le Bris’ comments that Isidor’s mindset is perfect in regards to still giving 100% in training, despite the unlikelihood of an imminent start in the league, and this will certainly hold him in good stead when he is finally given the opportunity to shine.
If Sunderland made it two successive league defeats against Middlesbrough, it could call for Le Bris to give his side a shake-up, which would likely see Isidor given his opportunity, however at this moment all that he can do is prove himself in training and seize the opportunity when it eventually arrives.