One Sunderland man returning from injury could leave Regis Le Bris with a tricky decision.
Sunderland will face off against Queens Park Rangers this weekend, with the game providing an opportunity for Regis Le Bris’ side to continue their fine run in the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
There is no doubt that the Black Cats are now well within a promotion race as they currently sit top of the league table by five points.
On the attacking front, Sunderland have been nothing short of ruthless, with Wilson Isidor’s current form for the Black Cats embodying that.
Romaine Mundle has also been emphatic in filling the shoes of Jack Clarke, whilst Patrick Roberts has put a fairly poor 2023/24 Championship season behind him after being back to his prolific self.
Their attacking options at this moment are brilliant, and they look to be further bolstered by the return of Eliezer Mayenda, which could leave Le Bris with a difficult decision to make against Queens Park Rangers.
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Mayenda started the 2024/25 Championship campaign leading the line for the Black Cats, with him managing to notch two goals and as many assists in just three starts.
Whilst it will be highly unlikely that he returns in the place of Isidor, who certainly does not deserve to be dropped as a result of his scintillating form, he could potentially be turned to from off-the bench against Queens Park Rangers.
However, it could be argued that Aaron Connolly deserves to be tested for the final minutes as he continues to get back up to speed with Championship football, and the extra game time will without a doubt improve his confidence in order to replicate some of the brilliant showings he put on for Hull City in the 2022/23 campaign.
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Regis Le Bris should not rush Eliezer Mayenda back into game time
The abilities that Mayenda was showing prior to his untimely injury were him at the peak of his powers, and Le Bris will certainly be keen to see him replicate this after his somewhat lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Whilst he is without a doubt an ‘excellent’ and crucial asset to the side, Le Bris must make sure to not rush him back into game time, and it is brilliant for the Black Cats to have Connolly at their disposal in order not to potentially risk the Spaniard.
There needs to be plenty of consideration taken with Mayenda and when to bring him back into action, and it feels as if it would be a week too early if Le Bris was to utilise him in this week’s game.