View: Regis Le Bris will be relieved at Wales Chris Mepham decision ahead of Sunderland v Millwall
Sunderland defender Chris Mepham was an unused substitute for Wales on Saturday and Regis Le Bris will be pleased at his low risk of injury.
With several players set to be absent from Sunderland’s clash against Millwall, Mepham’s availability will be crucial to any hopes that the Black Cats have of picking up a win.
Having failed to make an appearance for Wales on Saturday (16 November) it seems even more likely that he will return from the international break unscathed.
With Trai Hume suspended, Luke O’Nien could be shifted over to right-back with Dan Ballard set to return to the starting lineup after impressing for Northern Ireland.
Chris Mepham has been a revelation at Sunderland
If Mepham can return from the international break without injury, he will play a crucial role in the Sunderland side in the coming weeks.
His performances have already earned him a cemented place in the starting 11 under Le Bris, benching Ballard in the process who, prior to the Welshman’s arrival, was one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Mepham’s quality is evident and his experience in English football allows him to shine above most other central defenders in the division and his signing looks to have been a massive coup for Sunderland.
The outside opinion on him seems to be shared internally, with Le Bris hailing him as “a gift” earlier in the season.
His presence will be crucial against Millwall if Sunderland are to have any chance of achieving a result with a significantly depleted squad with Hume, Jobe Bellingham and Patrick Roberts all among the long list of absentees.
In other Sunderland news, Gift Orban was linked in the summer and the news of Lyon’s provisional relegation could spark a firesale that the Black Cats can exploit.
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