Sunderland ‘set for massive playoff boost’ after latest Romaine Mundle update
Sunderland have little left to play for until the playoffs commence in May, and they have just received a boost ahead of their push for promotion.
While it wasn’t the most pleasing encounter to watch, Sunderland sealed their spot in the playoffs with their latest 0-0 draw away to Norwich City.
With five games to go, starting with their home clash against Swansea City, the Black Cats have next to no chance of finishing in the top two, while the chances of even dropping into fifth are minimal.
However, form may still play an important role, as will the fitness of key players, with Regis Le Bris’ latest update serving as a huge boost.
Mundle fitness update emerges ahead of Swansea clash
Mundle suffered a hamstring injury in Sunderland’s 1-0 victory away to West Brom, and missed the Norwich clash as a result.
Given it was the same injury that kept him out for months, fans immediately started to fear the worst, though Le Bris’ latest comments will subdue those concerns.
| Sunderland | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Mundle | 22 | 5 | 2 |
Speaking at the latest Sunderland press conference, Le Bris said: “The target for him is the play-off period. He should be ok for then.”
Given the lack of form showcased by Tommy Watson recently, Mundle’s availability could be pivotal to Sunderland’s hopes of returning to the Premier League.
Sunderland face no-win situation ahead of the final run-in
Having nothing to play for in the final few games is a relatively unfamiliar feeling for Sunderland fans, who have become accustomed to either a relegation battle or a promotion push for the majority of the last decade.
However, they face that scenario now, and Le Bris needs to decide whether he risks form in a bid to maintain squad fitness, or risks injuries to key players in a bid to build form to take into the playoffs to give them the best chance of success.
Both scenarios have their own positives, while also offering plenty of negatives, leaving the Frenchman with a difficult decision to make with plenty on the line for the Black Cats at this stage in the campaign.