Sunderland were without several first team players for their 1-0 away victory against Blackpool.
The Black Cats’ run out at Bloomfield Road proved to be highly beneficial for Regis Le Bris’ side, who came away with a victory after Jack Clarke bagged a late goal.
Many individuals performed for Sunderland, in particular in the midfield, as new signing Alan Browne was able to dictate play on numerous occasions and offered the leadership that the Black Cats were lacking last season.
Young midfielder Chris Rigg also gained his plaudits after a solid performance that saw him ‘injected real intensity to the game and played a part in the winner’.
However, there were notable absences across the pitch, including the likes of Luis Hemir, whose future looks a doubt after he was dropped to the youth squad.
Another youngster who was absent was Pierre Ekwah, with Le Bris offering an explanation as to why he was absent from the squad that travelled to Blackpool, amid transfer interest in the midfielder.
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Regis Le Bris confirms injury to Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah was unavailable for the Black Cats’ clash with Blackpool after Le Bris confirmed that he was ‘missing with minor injuries’.
Per Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: “Pierre [Ekwah] is still struggling with a pain in his back, while Leo [Hjelde] received a hit on his calf during the training session yesterday so we decided not to take any risks with him.”
Le Bris will be hoping that Ekwah’s injury is nothing serious after playing a crucial role last season, scoring five in 40 appearances from midfield in the Championship.
Sunderland’s midfield depth will be crucial this season
Although Sunderland fans will hope to see Ekwah make a quick return to first team football, despite ongoing injury concerns, Le Bris has the assurance of plenty of depth within his midfield ranks this season, something that will be crucial if one or two players are sidelined with injury issues.
Sunderland still managed to dominate the midfield with Rigg and Browne notably putting in a brilliant performance against the League One outfit, with Sunderland also having the capable Dan Neil within the squad as well, alongside Frenchman Adil Aouchiche who could slot further back from his usual attacking-midfield position if needed.
When it comes to quality in abundance for Sunderland, midfield comes to mind instantly with their long list of talent in the position, leaving Le Bris worry-free about Ekwah’s injury, although it would make a difference to have the French midfielder back in contention ahead of the next set of pre-season friendlies.