Ian Darke ‘amazed’ as Sunderland confirm injury blow to first-team quartet
Sunderland are facing a huge challenge as they return to the Premier League.
The Black Cats have added several new players to Regis Le Bris‘ squad in their attempts to stay in the division.
The likes of Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra have arrived at the Stadium of Light. However, the Black Cats will be without several established stars for a considerable period at the start of the season.
Mackem News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
Sunderland could waste a favourable start after injury news
Sunderland have been handed a favourable start to their first top-flight campaign in eight years.
However, they have also confirmed that they will be without Aji Alese, Leo Hjelde, Luke O’Nien and Dennis Cirkin under September at the very least.
Ian Darke believes that could be an issue for Le Bris, as he tries to build a solid foundation to stay up and remain at the elite level.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, Darke said: “You don’t want regular first team players out, and I think the fixture computer has given them a manageable start to the season, hasn’t it.
“Those fixtures, it could have been tougher for them.
“You want to put your best team out on the pitch, so it is a shame if they have got players who would have been in that starting line-up, who are not going to make it.
“They are going to have to use those new signings to good effect.
“Having said that, I am always amazed that teams play so many pre-season friendlies, travel halfway around the world.
“Is it any surprise that they arrive on the opening day with six or seven players injured, before they have even kicked a ball in earnest?”
Cirkin and O’Nein will be huge losses for Sunderland
Having been handed an opening three fixtures of West Ham, Burnley and Brentford, Le Bris would have been confident that his side can pick up some points.
However, losing Cirkin and O’Nien will be a huge blow as the duo made 81 appearances between them in the Championship last season, playing a key part in the Black Cats’ promotion campaign.
Aleese and Hjelde played 12 and 15 times in the second tier, respectively, so they will not be missed as much.
Le Bris may be forced to throw his new additions straight into the mix, rather than easing them in and relying on players who already know his system and methods.
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