Regis Le Bris has issued an update on Sunderland’s right-back situation ahead of deadline day.
Timothee Pembele spent a majority of last season as Trai Hume’s back-up, however a poor pre-season campaign has led Sunderland to consider loaning him out.
Le Bris has already confirmed that they are ‘looking’ to organise his departure in the next week, but he is yet to be linked with any specific clubs.
Sunderland fans have urged the club to bring in a new right-back to cover for Hume, who has been one of the first names on the team-sheet in recent seasons.
However, Le Bris has now suggested that the Black Cats won’t look to bring in a new right-back, even if Pembele leaves.
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Le Bris happy with his right-back options
Speaking to The Northern Echo, the head coach said: “At the moment we don’t have a replacement for Hume but we can find many solutions.
“We can play with three centre-backs for example or different in and out of possession. We could play with only one player on the side, so it could be a winger, for example.
“Maybe at the minute we don’t have a specific right back [to cover] but we can move our way to play to solve that problem. It’s not a real problem for me at the minute.”
Pembele and Zak Johnson could both leave on loan this summer, leaving Hume as the only recognised right-back.
If he was to get injured, Sunderland would likely have to put Luke O’Nien out wide and bring in someone like Leo Hjelde into the team – or Aji Alese once Dan Ballard returns.
Sunderland will be frustrated with themselves if Hume gets injured
It seems like such an unnecessary problem to cause for themselves, as O’Nien has really impressed in central defence so far and it feels like it would be a major weak spot if he was forced to play on the right.
Fans certainly wouldn’t trust the 29-year-old to take on some of the fastest and trickiest wingers in the Championship.
Sunderland should bring in a new right-back with experience, who is happy to battle Hume for his place and most likely spend the campaign as his back-up.
A player like Cyrus Christie, who was released by Hull City at the end of the season, could be a good option on a free transfer.