The Sunderland boss has given an update over key duo Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard.
The Black Cats are once again in action in midweek as they are set for action on the road against Preston North End.
Regis Le Bris’ side ran out for a fairly disappointing 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, which saw Sunderland not manage to find the back of the net for the first time in the 2024/25 Championship season.
Wilson Isidor looked to struggle up front for the Black Cats against Queens Park Rangers, as did Aaron Connolly when coming off the bench, and the result was soured even more with the red card and resulting absence handed to Jobe Bellingham.
The Sunderland midfielder will be a massive miss against Preston North End, and the upcoming three consecutive games, however the blow will certainly be cushioned with the news delivered by Le Bris surrounding Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard’s fitness.
Regis Le Bris confirms availability of Sunderland duo Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard
Sunderland midfielder Rigg was ruled out of the QPR 0-0 draw, and his loss was certainly felt in the centre-of-the-park, however he is back in contention to play against Preston North End, via James Copley on X.
The good news surrounding the 17-year-old is made that much sweeter with Ballard also being available for the Championship tie after previously sustaining an injury earlier on in the 2024/25 season.
It is unsure whether Ballard will be introduced straight away for Sunderland due to the current form of Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien at centre-back, as well as the fact that Le Bris revealed that he won’t likely ‘play three at the back against Preston’.
Chris Rigg availability will be massive relief for Regis Le Bris
The injury sustained by Rigg initially coinciding with Bellingham’s dismissal against Queens Park Rangers was set to spark a serious issue for Le Bris, who as a result may have been forced into handing Milan Aleksic his debut for the club.
Sunderland’s midfield up until this point of Rigg, Bellingham and Dan Neil has been arguably their strongest asset, and is the reason they currently sit at the summit of the Championship table at this early stage of the 2024/25 campaign, and being without two key men in the centre-of-the-park could have been a difficult situation for the side.
It is brilliant to see Ballard return to action as well, but it is certainly overshadowed by the news of Rigg being available, especially after seeing earlier on this season what the 17-year-old can truly offer to the side.
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