Regis Le Bris handed boost as Aji Alese shares hint over Sunderland return
Aji Alese has had a wretched time at Sunderland when it comes to injuries.
With Sunderland slowly gearing up to face Crystal Palace at the weekend, Regis Le Bris will be hoping that those still on international duty return unscathed.
The Black Cats already have a handful of players out injured, including Alese and Dennis Cirkin, who has been linked with an exit from the Stadium of Light.
However, in a post shared on his social media, Alese has hinted at his return to full fitness.
Aji Alese back in Sunderland training
Since joining from West Ham in 2022, Alese’s spell at the Stadium of Light has been marred by injuries, the most recent of which has been the most serious.
The defender has missed 28 games so far after suffering a shoulder injury back in January, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
- 25/26 – 28 games missed
- 24/25 – 12 games missed
- 32/24 – 33 games missed
- 22/23 – 24 games missed
However, now the 24-year-old has shared a post on his Instagram showcasing that he is back in full training, and it may not be long until he is slowly integrated back into the matchday fold.
Reinildo has been excellent for Sunderland, but having more depth in that area of the squad will be crucial, especially when AFCON comes around in December.
Alese still has two years left on his contract, though this could be his last chance to showcase his worth to the Wearsiders.
Sunderland need Aji Alese back to fitness
When he is fit and with a run of games, Alese has shown that he is capable of playing near enough anywhere across the backline, and in the Premier League, that will be crucial.
His height and physicality will be a big boost for the Black Cats, especially when several defenders jet off for AFCON later in the season.
Given his injury record to date, the biggest challenge will be keeping him fit, but if that can be achieved, Sunderland have an excellent defensive option on their hands.
Cirkin’s return will only amplify this, though it remains to be seen where his future lies.
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