Sunderland injury round-up: Nordi Mukiele and Robin Roefs latest as Dennis Cirkin could return
Sunderland’s injury list is beginning to shorten as the Black Cats head into the season’s crunch point.
Regis Le Bris’ side have been left with nothing to play for other than the Premier League, after their shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Port Vale on Sunday.
Sunderland sit 11th in the Premier League, just three points away from Everton in eighth, with that spot likely to come with the reward of European qualification this term.
With only a clash against Brighton at the Stadium of Light separating the Black Cats from the upcoming derby against Newcastle, Mackem News takes a look at the latest injury news from the camp.
When will Nordi Mukiele and Robin Roefs return for Sunderland?
When it comes to Sunderland’s crop of regular starters, goalkeeper Robin Roefs and versatile defender Nordi Mukiele are the highest profile absentees.
Both were ruled out after the recent loss to Fulham, missing the subsequent matches against Leeds and Port Vale.
Roefs, in particular, has become adored among the fanbase, keeping eight clean sheets in the Premier League this term after displacing Anthony Patterson last summer.
Le Bris confirmed in the build-up to the Port Vale cup tie that the pair could be an option for next weekend’s derby, and could feature against Brighton on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Dennis Cirkin and Reinildo are both expected to return in the coming days, after suffering from thigh and knee injuries, respectively.
Bertrand Traore continues to be assessed, while Brian Brobbey continues his push for fitness with the international break coming up after the Newcastle clash.
Youngsters Jocelin Ta Bi and Romaine Mundle will remain sidelined until the back end of the season.
Sunderland need to find consistency
Following their ascent to the top flight last May, the Wearside outfit have settled into Premier League life seamlessly, though they have shown inconsistencies since the festive period.
Le Bris’ side are still just a stone’s throw away from a European spot, but to get there, they are going to have to put together a run of results.
With the derby coming up, Sunderland have the chance to do the double over their rivals and all but halt their European ambitions.
This could be something to use as a springboard heading into the season’s final months, but first, the Black Cats have to get back to winning ways against Brighton on Saturday.
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