Regis Le Bris Issues Major Sunderland Fitness Update Ahead Of Torreense Clash

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has issued a massive fitness update regarding his Black Cats squad ahead of Thursday afternoon’s Europa League clash against SCU Torreense.

Sunderland travel to Portugal to face the second division side in their first European away day in over five five decades, with several fresh faces returning to Le Bris’ squad, and others set to be absent for the fixture.

The Black Cats head into the European fixture on the back of three consecutive Premier League defeats either side of the international break, with defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City before the national period and Saturday’s deflating 2-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light. 

Therefore, the Torreense clash offers Sunderland a golden chance to put the Brighton loss right, given that the Black Cats’ upcoming opponents are currently slumped in 15th place in the Portuguese second tier and qualified for this term’s Europa League through a Cup final win over Sporting in May. 

Given the gravitas of the game in the current context of Sunderland’s season, Le Bris’ selection and tactics will be imperative, but the Black Cats boss could be without two starters from his XI against the Seagulls last time out.

In terms of those ruled out for the Europa League outing, veteran defender Thomas Meunier will be sidelined after the Belgian international was withdrawn in the first half against Brighton due to an apparent hamstring strain. 

As well as Meunier, Le Bris confirmed that striker Wilson Isidor suffered a small knock in the defeat to Brighton, but was reluctant to confirm whether the Haitian international would definitely be sidelined. 

Le Bris told his pre-Torreense press conference: “Thomas (Meunier) was injured in the last game, so we will have to wait a bit,

On a more positive note, both Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra have travelled with the Sunderland squad for the clash, with the duo closing in on returns to the Black Cats squad after their respective hamstring injuries. 

However, Le Bris made clear that the Sunderland duo will not be rushed back into proceedings unnecessarily, with Diarra in particular having suffered from several injuries since his £30m move from Strasbourg last year. 

Le Bris added: “Brian travelled with the squad, as did Habib, so they will be involved quickly, but we need to respect the process.

“It is always important to manage the schedule and use the depth of the squad well. Rotation will be necessary, but we also need to keep the squad strong.”

Whether Le Bris risks Isidor in Sunderland’s potential starting XI against Torreense now remains to be seen.

Still, regardless of the selection, it will be a momentous occasion in the Black Cats’ resurgent journey under the Frenchman’s guidance, and he is extremely excited for the club’s historic fixture. 

On the prospect of leading Sunderland into their first European away fixture in over 53 years, Le Bris wants his Black Cats side to build on their impressive performance in the 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar before the international break whilst enjoying the milestone moment.

The Sunderland boss explained: “We respect the opponent, they are a very good team.

“We have prepared for this game like a Premier League fixture, with detailed analysis to understand how we can hurt their defence and create chances.

“The Premier League and the Europa League are relentless, so we have to maintain consistent standards.

“This will be a fantastic experience. It is nice to be in this situation, and for our supporters it will be a fantastic experience as well.

“It is demanding, but our squad depth is getting better. The more challenges we face, the more we progress.”

Le Bris and his Black Cats squad will be desperate to continue their winning start to the Europa League campaign, with a commanding win imperative to kick-starting Sunderland’s season.

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