Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has received a significant boost ahead of Wednesday night’s Championship clash against Preston North End. The Black Cats will welcome back key players, with Chris Rigg confirmed fit to return after overcoming a chest issue. Rigg’s availability is especially crucial as he has been a vital component in Sunderland’s attacking dynamics alongside teammates Patrick Roberts and Trai Hume.
In addition to Rigg, Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda are also set to rejoin the squad, providing Le Bris with more options as he navigates a challenging fixture schedule. Notably, Aji Alese is back in training and edging closer to full fitness, positioning him for selection post-international break. However, the team will have to cope without Jobe Bellingham, who will serve a three-match suspension following his red card in the previous game against QPR.
While the absence of Bellingham presents a challenge, Le Bris remains optimistic about his squad’s depth. “We have a squad with 16 or 17 players ready to contribute, along with other young talents who need the chance to develop,” he said. “We may need to create something new in our approach, but I am confident in the options we have available.”
Rigg’s return is particularly encouraging for Le Bris, who expressed his delight, stating, “I’m so pleased for him and the team. He adds significant balance to our play. The synergy between him, Roberts, and Trai has been impressive, and losing any element of that can be challenging.”
As the Black Cats prepare for their match against Preston, Le Bris has emphasized his desire to maintain the same defensive structure, especially with Ballard’s fitness improving. Ballard’s previous struggles with an ankle injury have subsided, allowing him to contribute effectively once more. “When Dan first returned, he was still dealing with some pain, which impacted his performance. Now, he feels much better, and that makes a difference,” Le Bris remarked.
The Sunderland manager is also cautious about player discipline, noting that several players are on four yellow cards, creating potential concerns for future suspensions. Le Bris praised Trai Hume for managing his situation effectively, having gone several matches without receiving a booking.
As Sunderland gears up for their trip to Preston, Le Bris’s confidence in his squad’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test. The Black Cats will look to build on their recent performances while navigating the complexities of squad rotation and player fitness as they aim to secure crucial points in their Championship campaign.
