Regis Le Bris provides double injury update ahead of Sunderland game vs Arsenal
Sunderland are looking to kickstart a run of form following their 3-0 win against Burnley.
Regis Le Bris’ side were a cut above against their fellow promoted side on Monday.
An Axel Tuanzebe own goal, a strike from Habib Diarra, and a second-half scorcher from Chemsdine Talbi secured all three points at the Stadium of Light.
With Sunderland sitting eighth, they are looking to go on a run and claim a European place come May – though their next test is an extremely difficult one against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Le Bris has provided a key injury update.
Regis Le Bris gives update on Sunderland talisman ahead of Arsenal clash
Since making the shock move from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, Granit Xhaka has taken on a talismanic role on Wearside.
Taking the captain’s armband and leading by example in the middle of the park, the 33-year-old has been a central cog in Sunderland’s excellent season thus far.
Though he has been missed recently, with Xhaka absent for Sunderland’s last two matches against West Ham and Burnley.
Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, Le Bris said: “No update on Granit yet, but he’s doing well.”
Having started every match in the Premier League this season, Xhaka will miss the second clash of the season against his former club Arsenal.
With a more positive update, Le Bris also added: “He was running on the treadmill today, so it’s positive.”
In the same conference, the Frenchman also confirmed that centre-back Omar Alderete is fit and ready to play at the Emirates, after limping off in the win against Burnley.
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Sunderland can still fire without Granit Xhaka
After a rather barren run when compared to Sunderland’s start to the season, the Black Cats responded brilliantly on Monday, with Talbi and Diarra shining in particular.
While the former is beginning to find his feet on Wearside, Diarra has been compared to a new signing by Le Bris.
The Senegalese midfielder missed a lot of football through injury in the first half of the season, before he joined up with his nation for AFCON.
The 22-year-old covered every blade of grass on Monday, and could prove crucial this weekend and beyond.
Coupled with the addition of exciting Ecuadorian winger Nilson Angulo, Sunderland have got fresh energy and impetus heading into the final stages of their European charge.