Regis Le Bris has issued an injury update on Sunderland summer signing Ian Poveda.
Sunderland have got off to a brilliant start to the 2024/25 season, with five wins in their first six games, with new boss Regis Le Bris leading them towards the summit of the table.
There was very much plenty of uncertainty over this coming season, particularly on an attacking sense, as Sunderland were so lacklustre and stripped of confidence last season in front of goal, netting just 52 goals across the entire 2023/24 campaign.
However, despite the departure of Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town, the Black Cats have most certainly stepped up in an attacking sense, scoring 13 goals in their first six, more than any other Championship side up to this point.
The attacking options that are at Le Bris’ disposal are excellent at this point, with Romaine Mundle, and Patrick Roberts particularly showing brilliant signs, and the French boss is set to receive even more options with the likely return of one Sunderland attacking gem.
Regis Le Bris confirms Sunderland attacker Ian Poveda nears return
Sunderland signed Ian Poveda following a transfer tussle with fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, where the Colombian international spent half of last season on loan.
The attacker arrived with fitness concerns, and he has tallied just 17 minutes of action up to this point in the Championship season, and has missed the previous two games.
However, when Le Bris was quizzed on Poveda’s availability, per Sunderland Echo, he said: ”I think he will be available for our next training sessions, yes.”
Poveda will likely be eased into action if he is fit and ready for a return, with Le Bris previously making it clear that he will not be rushed into action.
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Sunderland fans must be patient with Ian Poveda as he nears return
As seen from his short spell at Sheffield Wednesday, and in moments with Leeds United, it is clear that the Colombian winger will certainly bring an extra dimension to the side in an attacking sense, with him being able to fill Mundle’s shoes as an alternative player that can provide trickery and flair.
He is without a doubt an exciting player to have in-and-around the squad, and once he is 100% fit and ready for action, he will without a doubt become a crucial part of Le Bris’ plans.
However, the amount of time taken to get him close to game time has made it abruptly clear that rushing him back to action would certainly not be a wise move, nor would Sunderland fans expecting Poveda at his best too soon, with him not starting a Championship game for five-and-a-half months.
He is a player that will certainly come good, but considering he arrived on a free with an already bleak injury history, there should be every bit of consideration that he will take time to implement his true abilities into the squad.