Regis Le Bris opens door for Dan Neil return in Sunderland update pre-Leeds United
Regis Le Bris has shared an update on Dan Neil ahead of the clash with Leeds on Sunday.
Sunderland have basically secured safety already, after an impressive start to their first Premier League campaign in eight years.
However, the Mackems’ progress has stalled lately, with just two wins from their last six matches, and they will hope to get back on track on 28 December.
The Stadium of Light should be raucous for the visit of Leeds, and Neil may come into the fold against the Whites.
Le Bris shares Neil and Cirkin latest after Brighton draw
Dan Neil is yet to start in the Premier League for Sunderland, despite how highly rated he is on Wearside.
Neil has not featured since a one-minute cameo against Wolves on 18 October, but Le Bris confirmed that he and Dennis Cirkin could play a part when they host the Elland Road side.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on 24 December, he said: “We have five games in two weeks with a small group. They are involved, training really well, which shows me their standards, their ability to stay connected.
Football is like that, sometimes you don’t feel the opportunity is close but just one moment can define this opportunity, so maybe they will play [soon].”
He may need them, as they are already missing six players, who are at the Africa Cup of Nations, including Habib Diarra, Bertrand Traore and Noah Sadiki.
Why Sunderland will be concerned about Leeds clash
The Black Cats boast a decent record when they face the Whites in the North East, with the visitors winning just twice in the last six meetings, dating back to 2004.
However, there is reason for Le Bris to be worried, as his side have not scored in over 300 minutes of top-flight action, per Opta.
Their last strike was Chemsdine Talbi’s goal in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on 3 December, as their winner against Newcastle was an own goal, which is a concern.
That is especially true, given the fact that Daniel Farke’s side have notched 13 goals in their last five matches, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin having six in those games.
The Mackems started the season much better than their fellow newly-promoted side, but they have stagnated, which could allow last season’s Championship winners to catch up.
Le Bris needs his side to stay concentrated in defence and find their shooting boots when they get up the other end, otherwise, it could be a long day, given the visitors’ form lately.
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