Every Sunderland player on October international duty – Who they’re playing and how to watch
Sunderland fans will have a keen eye on the international break, despite their team not being in action.
Sunderland have started their Premier League campaign brilliantly, and they sit in ninth place in the table after the opening seven matches.
Regis Le Bris‘ side were tipped for relegation before the season began, but the Stadium of Light outfit are exceeding expectations, which has led to several international call-ups.
Mackem News brings you a detailed guide of all 11 Sunderland players who will feature for their country over the international break.
Granit Xhaka in Switzerland action, Robin Roefs called up again by the Netherlands
Granit Xhaka is the most notable Sunderland player to be called up, and his Switzerland side will face Sweden on 10 October, before a World Cup qualifier with Slovenia on 13 October.
Sunderland ace Robin Roefs has been called up by the Netherlands for the clashes with Malta on 9 October and Finland on 12 October, but whether he will play is a different matter.
Dan Ballard and Trai Hume are part of the Northern Ireland squad that will face Slovakia on 10 October and Germany on 13 October.
Omar Aldarete is expected to feature when Paraguay take on Japan and South Korea on 10 and 14 October, having already qualified for the World Cup.
| Stats | Alderete |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Tackles per game | 1.6 |
| Ground duels won per 90 | 2.6 (64%) |
| Aerial duels won per 90 | 2.1 (56%) |
Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku will be hoping to be selected in the DR Congo team to face Togo on 10 October, and Sudan on 14 October.
Reinildo should feature for Mozambique in their games with Guinea on 9 October and Somalia on 12 October.
Chemsdine Talbi has been called up by Morocco for a friendly with Bahrain on 9 October and the World Cup qualifier with Congo on 14 October.
Burkina Faso boasts Mackems star Bertrand Traore for their crucial clashes with Sierra Leone on 8 October and Ethiopia on 12 October.
Finally, Simon Adingra should be involved when the Ivory Coast face the Seychelles on 10 October and Kenya on 14 October.
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How to watch Sunderland’s international stars
If Roefs makes an appearance, fans can watch the 19:45 BST kick-off against Malta on Amazon Prime PPV, then the 17:00 kick-off against Finland is on the same platform.
To watch Hume and Ballard, supporters can tune into BBC Northern Ireland or BBC Two for coverage of the Slovakia match, with only BBC Two airing the Germany clash, with both games also kicking off at 7:45pm BST.
The majority of other matches can be accessed via a FIFA+ subscription, but are otherwise not available to watch in the UK.
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