Regis Le Bris has given an injury update on Sunderland full-back Dennis Cirkin.
Sunderland are getting ready for a clash with Bristol City at the Stadium of Light, where the Black Cats will be hoping to make it two successive home wins following their 2-1 victory against Stoke City.
The Black Cats had to rely on the individual brilliance of 18-year-old attacker Tommy Watson, who has done brilliantly to slot in for Romaine Mundle in recent weeks, and his brace last time out against Stoke certainly embodied that.
Regis Le Bris’ side had been struggling prior to the vital victory against Stoke City, and much of that goes down to the injuries littered in-and-around the squad, and one of those absentees have been Dennis Cirkin at left-back.
The Black Cats boss has been questioned about the Sunderland defender’s absence, to which he has given an update.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris issues update on Dennis Cirkin availability
Sunderland’s Cirkin has been a crucial player in the side so far in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and that has been clear by the effect of his absence in recent weeks.
The Black Cats look set to be without the Northern Irish international for a brief spell longer after Le Bris’ comments in the Bristol City pre-match press conference, where he said: “Dennis was out for maybe two weeks and a half, so it was a long period. He needs time to rebuild his foundations. It depends on the profile of the player.
“Dennis is massive, he’s explosive so he needs a little bit more time. When he’s ready, it will be useful for the team because he’s a very good player.”
Dennis Cirkin absence concerns should be highlighting key room for improvement in January
There is no doubt that the absence of Cirkin in the last few games has caused troubles, which has seen Le Bris forcing Luke O’Nien onto his less-favoured left-side.
Sunderland’s left side has really been hindered in general, up until Watson burst into a spell of top form, and whilst many suggest Mundle being unavailable as a key aspect behind the Black Cats’ recent woes, Cirkin’s impact on going forward has also been sorely missed.
The Black Cats must see the recent events involving Cirkin as a wake up call that options at left-back simply aren’t fruitful enough, and that additions must be made in January to ensure that Le Bris doesn’t have to play players out of position to cater for his loss.