AliousRegis Le Bris Confirms Eliezer Mayenda Ruled Out of Oxford Clash – Big Opportunity for Isidor as Play-Off Prep Intensifies
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has confirmed striker Eliezer Mayenda will miss this weekend’s match against Oxford United due to concussion protocols, following a knock suffered late on against Blackburn Rovers. While Mayenda is expected to resume training by Sunday, he will not be available for selection in the penultimate game of the regular season.
With their place in the Championship play-offs already secured, Sunderland have used recent fixtures to gradually reintroduce players returning from injury. Le Bris has been carefully rotating his squad in preparation for the semi-finals, though the downside has been a loss of form — the team has now suffered three consecutive defeats.
Despite this, there are positive signs on the fitness front. Dennis Cirkin is likely to be named on the bench against Oxford, with Le Bris aiming to give him a 25–30-minute runout. Defender Dan Ballard is eyeing a return in the final game against QPR, while both Aji Alese and Romaine Mundle are on track to be fully fit for the play-offs.
This calculated gamble by Le Bris — prioritizing fitness over momentum — could prove to be a stroke of genius if Sunderland hit their stride in the play-offs. However, should the plan backfire, it might be viewed as a misstep with high financial stakes, given the value of promotion.
In Mayenda’s absence, Wilson Isidor has a golden opportunity to reassert himself. After a strong start to his debut campaign, netting 12 goals, the French striker has gone through a dry spell, with his last goal coming in mid-February. A strong showing against Oxford could reignite his form at the perfect time, giving Sunderland a much-needed boost in their hunt for Premier League football.
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