Sunderland play-off boost: Star trio spotted in training after injuries
Sunderland’s playoff semi-finals are just around the corner, with Regis Le Bris now handed a big boost for the matches.
A return to the Premier League seems a real possibility for the Black Cats this season.
Playoffs were secured for Regis Le Bris’ side in early April, with Sunderland predicted to face Bristol City in the semi-finals.
However, there have been major concerns with the club’s form in recent weeks. Sunderland are on a five-match winless run and have lost their last four games.
Yet, the club could be handed a chance to end this streak with a trio of star players spotted back in training.
Eliezer Mayenda, Romaine Mundle, and Dan Ballard back in training for Sunderland
Sunderland’s star trio Eliezer Mayenda, Romaine Mundle, and Dan Ballard, have all been out of action in recent matches.
Mayenda was the most recent casualty as he sustained a concussion in the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Easter Monday, forcing him to miss the Oxford United clash.
Ballard and Mundle have been out for longer. The defender has not featured for the Black Cats since February after picking up a hamstring injury.
In contrast, Mundle has been out since early April when he also picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 victory over West Brom, the club’s last win.
Now, Sunderland’s Official social media account (29 April) has posted pictures of the trio in training as the Black Cats take part in a camp in Portugal before the match against QPR.
Sunderland trio must play against QPR if fit
Sunderland’s current form is awful, and at present, they will not win the playoffs.
However, a win against QPR on the final day would help to turn around the club’s fortunes and help build some momentum going into the semi-finals.
Playing Mayenda, Mundle and Ballard would no doubt help to achieve this and give the Black Cats potentially a priceless victory.
On top of this, the trio must build up some match sharpness, and the match against QPR would be ideal if they are fit.
If they are just thrown into the playoffs, they will not be nearly as effective, which would be a big loss.
Hopefully, they will all be back fit for Saturday and can take part in some capacity.