Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will have a difficult decision to make ahead of his next game.
This weekend saw Sunderland beat West Brom as Regis Le Bris’ side saw off the team managed by former Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray.
Sunderland were resolute in defence, as Chris Mepham put in a brilliant performance, whilst Trai Hume once again performed at left-back, and even bagged the winning goal from a beautiful free-kick in the first half.
Unfortunately for Le Bris’ side, Romaine Mundle suffered an injury in the first half, with Eliezer Mayenda coming on for him. Le Bris has confirmed it involves his hamstring, and could see him out for at least a few games, leaving one debate lingering over Sunderland fans, and that is who will step up to fill the shoes of the Black Cats winger.
Sunderland fans debate on who to replace Romaine Mundle following injury
Following Mundle’s enforced substitution in the first half of the win away at West Brom, Sunderland fans were left debating who should step in as Le Bris’ next choice on the left flank.
Taking to X, one fan said: “I think it was obvious from today that RLB is only going to use Watson if he absolutely has to. With the quick turnaround I’d give Aleksic a start on Tuesday and use Le Fee from the bench to build his minutes up.”
Milan Aleksic, despite his lack of game-time, was uttered amongst many fans, as one suggested it should be ‘Aleksic for me, Le Fee, and Isidor on the bench. Mayenda up front’.
Whilst many Sunderland fans want to see the Serbian handed the gametime he hasn’t quite received so far in the 2024/25 Championship season, much of this stems from the recent deal for Tommy Watson to move to Brighton at the end of the season for £10million.
One supporter suggested that he’d ‘personally forget about Watson unless we have no other option. Nothing against him, but he’s made his decision to leave, and that’s his decision.’ This was backed up by another fan, who simply said: “Not Watson. He can’t have his cake and eat it. Rather Aleksic got a go now that the play-offs are all but confirmed.”
Tommy Watson sale must not lead to Regis Le Bris making one mistake
The fact that Le Bris seems to be reitirating what Sunderland fans want in regards to Watson, and that is utilising other players ahead of him, is certainly a positive, due to the fact that it is now the perfect opportunity to get game-time into the legs of Aleksic, for example.
However, Le Bris must still not lose sight of the fact that, having Enzo Le Fee back as an option should not automatically put him ahead of Watson to play on the left flank, due to the fact that the Frenchman must be prioritised to play through the middle.
It would certainly be a mistake by Le Bris if this desire to use Watson as little as possible came at the expense of once again shipping Le Fee out wide.