AliousSunderland travel to Bournemouth on Saturday in what promises to be a crucial encounter for both sides’ European ambitions. However, Régis Le Bris’ preparations for the clash at the Vitality Stadium have been disrupted by a fresh wave of injury concerns.
Four players picked up knocks during last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham. Nordi Mukiele, Brian Brobbey, Jocelin Ta Bi and Romaine Mundle are all doubts ahead of the trip south, while at least three additional first-team players are either sidelined or facing late fitness tests.
Mukiele the Biggest Concern
Of those injured against Fulham, defender Nordi Mukiele appears to be the most worrying case. The Frenchman attempted to shake off a suspected calf issue but was forced off after just 12 minutes.
Shortly after the game, Mukiele posted on social media that “it doesn’t matter how long it will take… I promise you one thing: I will be back stronger,” hinting at the possibility of a significant spell on the sidelines. Calf injuries typically require between four and eight weeks of recovery, though Sunderland have yet to confirm the severity of the problem.
Other Injury Doubts
Striker Brian Brobbey is also a concern after going down in the second half before being substituted. New arrival Jocelin Ta Bi was withdrawn shortly before half-time, while winger Romaine Mundle needed assistance from medical staff after the final whistle.
Beyond the quartet affected against Fulham, Sunderland face additional selection headaches. Reinildo Mandava looks set for the longest absence after suffering a knee injury in the recent 1-0 defeat to Liverpool. The summer signing is expected to be out for around four weeks, with Le Bris indicating he is targeting a return for the Tyne & Wear Derby on 22 March.
Left-back Dennis Cirkin is another doubt after sustaining what Le Bris described as a minor hamstring issue in training last week, ruling him out of the Fulham match.
At present, there is no confirmation that any of the injuries are serious, but the club have yet to provide a detailed medical update. When questioned after the Fulham defeat, Le Bris admitted it was “too early to say” how severe the problems were, describing it as a “tough day” overall.
Traoré Closing in on Return
There is some positive news, however, as winger Bertrand Traoré is recovering from a minor knee issue. Le Bris suggested prior to last weekend’s match that the forward would resume training this week, raising hopes he could feature against Bournemouth.
With several key players uncertain, Sunderland head into Saturday’s fixture facing a race against time to restore their squad to full strength.
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