Sunderland head towards repeat of 22/23 ‘nightmare’ scenario after Le Bris update
Regis Le Bris has an overwhelming number of injuries to deal with at Sunderland ahead of the final eight games.
Sunderland remain in with a chance of securing promotion back to the Premier League, though it appears they will have to do so with several defensive concerns.
Both Dennis Cirkin and Trai Hume were forced to withdraw from their national team squads over the international break, providing a blow in the two areas where Sunderland lack depth.
Just as you think things will not get any worse, Le Bris has issued even more updates on his defensive line ahead of their home clash with Millwall.
Le Bris rules out two more defenders
Sunderland will need a squad at maximum capacity to have a chance of achieving success via the playoffs, though the likelihood of that happening is diminishing with each day.
Le Bris has since ruled out Jenson Seelt and Leo Hjelde for the Millwall encounter [Sunderland Echo], with Dan Ballard, Aji Alese and Niall Huggins all still on the sidelines.
It means that the Black Cats now have seven defensive concerns for the final run-in, though Hume is now expected to make the squad on Saturday.
| Sunderland | Injury status |
| Dan Ballard | Out |
| Aji Alese | Out |
| Niall Huggins | Out |
| Dennis Cirkin | Out |
| Leo Hjelde | Out |
| Jenson Seelt | Out |
Every one of a Red and White persuasion will remember the catastrophe that occurred in their previous playoff campaign, when Patrick Roberts was forced to play at right back in the absence of several other defenders.
Ultimately, that proved to be costly in their bid for an instant return to the Premier League, though they will be hoping that fate isn’t repeated this season.
Sunderland may be forced to rue winter shortcomings
Just about everyone on Wearside was aware of the need to sign defensive depth in January, though the club opted against it.
Up until now, the decision had somewhat paid off, but with so many injuries to attend to, the lack of depth in the back line is starting to be exposed.
Sunderland will not want this to affect their chances of promotion, though, depending on the severity of those sidelined, that could very well be the case.