Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has revealed whether or not Aaron Connolly will be able to play against Hull City this weekend.
Sunderland signed Aaron Connolly on a free transfer last month, in a signing that turned a lot of heads.
Former Brighton starlet Connolly was once held in very high regards. But his career has seen a decline over the last few years.
During the international break, Connolly spoke about his troubles off the pitch, with Sunderland fans and football fans alike showing their support.
Speaking previously, Regis Le Bris said that Connolly could make his Sunderland debut after this month’s international break.
The 24-year-old has scored goals in both his U21s performances for the Black Cats.
Will Aaron Connolly feature for Sunderland against Hull City?
Speaking to the press on Friday afternoon, Le Bris revealed that Connolly is in contention to feature at Hull.
He said when asked if Connolly is in contention this weekend: “Yes. We knew before that at least three weeks, four weeks [was needed] to asses his physical level, and he was really fit.
“Then he needed to have practise with his teammates. We had two opportunities to play with the U21s, and he did very well; 45 minutes for the first game and 75 or more for the second one.”
Sunderland team news with Dan Ballard, Eliezer Mayenda, Jenson Seelt updates
Fellow striker Eliezer Mayenda has missed the last three games with a minor injury.
Le Bris said of the 19-year-old: “He should be ready for next week, maybe. I’m not sure for his return, but the Oxford game he will be ready, I think so.”
Meanwhile, Le Bris also shared an update on long-term absentee Jenson Seelt, who’s 2023/24 was cut short after he sustained a major knee injury in March this year.
“Jenson, it’s still difficult because it was a big injury, so we have different stages and we need to check the different stages,” Le Bris explained.
“But he could be ready for January to train with the team.”
Another defender in Dan Ballard has also been injured of late, missing the last three for Sunderland and missing out on Northern Ireland’s fixtures during this month’s break.
Le Bris said: “Ballard should be ready for next week as well.”
Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi updates shared
Sunderland deadline day signings Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi are yet to feature for the club, with both currently injured.
Le Bris said during his presser: “Salis maybe for the next international break, and Ahmed, because he had surgery, so it’s still difficult when you have to recover because it’s invasive, so the reaction of the muscles, we’ll see in training.
“Maybe it could be shorter or longer. We don’t know. Maybe mid-November or the beginning of December.”