ROMAINE MUNDLE is ready to make his Sunderland return in Saturday’s home game with Hull City, but Tommy Watson remains sidelined and will not be in the squad to face the Tigers.
Mundle has spent the rest of this week in full training at the Academy of Light, and Le Bris is confident he is now ready to feature at the weekend if required.
Watson is yet to return to full training as he continues to recover from an ankle issue though, and will once again be missing against Hull. The teenager is due to step up his recovery programme next week, although it remains to be seen whether he will be available for the trip to face Sheffield Wednesday next Friday night.
“Romaine should be fine now,” said Le Bris, whose team fell eight points behind the automatic promotion positions after they surrendered in the 95th minute at Elland Road. “We felt against Leeds it was just a little bit too soon.” It’s not just about the minutes; it’s about facing a formidable opponent both in and out of possession. We didn’t think he was ready for it right now. But he has one more week to work with us, so I think everything should be fine now.
“I think he’s ready now. We didn’t rush the process at Leeds, especially given the intensity of the game. We believed it was a little too early for him, but I believe it will be fine for the time being.
“The same goes for Browney (Alan Browne); I believe he is now ready to get some minutes. Tommy will return to full training next week.
Daniel Farke altered the course of Monday’s game by bringing on Pascal Struijk, who scored both of Leeds’ headers, and Joe Rothwell, who produced the free-kick that resulted in the home side’s equaliser.
For the majority of this season, Le Bris’ substitute options have been quite restricted, but the situation is gradually improving, much to the head coach’s satisfaction.
Mundle and Browne are certain to play against Hull on Saturday, while Watson’s impending comeback will add to Sunderland’s squad depth.
“I hope we will have more options now,” said Le Bris. “I believe our bench is the strongest it has been. It’s good to renew the team because the other players have played a lot of minutes and require assistance and energy. So, if we can add some depth to the squad, that will definitely benefit us.”
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