Regis Le Bris has dropped a positive injury update ahead of Sunderland’s clash vs Derby County.
Sunderland will be hoping to respond in positive fashion to their 2-1 defeat on the road against Watford.
It marks two successive defeats on the road for Regis Le Bris’ side, who were simply not at the races at the weekend, with the midfield playing a significant part in the loss.
Jobe Bellingham surprisingly put in a poor performance in the centre-of-the-park, whilst 17-year-old midfielder Chris Rigg didn’t quite live up to the high expectations set following his brilliant performance at home against Middlesbrough.
Sunderland skipper Dan Neil was also off the pace as he was instrumental in the loss for all the wrong reasons as he made an unnecessary challenge on a Watford attacker in the box, which saw the hosts convert and sail to victory.
Despite the disappointment, Sunderland fans’ optimism will be restored ahead of the Derby County clash as one Black Cats star is set for a return to the side, as confirmed by Le Bris.
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Regis Le Bris confirms Alan Browne availability for Sunderland vs Derby County
It was looking unlikely that Alan Browne was going to recover for the clash against Derby County, which could have seen Neil start once again following a poor showing at the weekend.
However, the former Preston North End is set to be ‘available’ for the next game as confirmed by Le Bris.
Via James Copley on X, Le Bris said in reference to Browne’s availability, along with other key names: “Browne is available for the two games. Mayenda and Ballard back after the international break.”
Regis Le Bris’ side will massively benefit from returning injuries
There is no doubt that Sunderland have had an incredible start to the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with Le Bris’ side currently sitting 2nd in the table.
However, there is every likelihood that the current Sunderland side could, if not may have already suffered from burnout, with the team not being changed much, barring the striker option changing with Wilson Isidor coming in for the recently injured Eliezer Mayenda.
Despite the brilliant form of Le Bris’ side, there is still a necessity for him to change around his side, and the returning Browne will most certainly help keep his midfielders fresh, particularly Neil, who will certainly benefit from a small spell on the sidelines.
Dan Ballard’s close return will also make a significant difference, as will Mayenda’s in regards to adding competition to two key positions in the side, something that will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the performances of Synderland’s current striker and centre-back options.