Sunderland boss issues big Aaron Connolly update and explains Salis Abdul Samed latest

Sunderland’s head coach, Regis Le Bris, has given a favourable report on striker Aaron Connolly

Aaron Connolly might be selected to the Sunderland squad for the first time on Friday night, with Régis Le Bris growing convinced that he will be ready to make his debut following the international break.

Connolly has been impressing behind the scenes since joining as a free agent last week, and Ian Poveda’s injury has opened up a spot in the squad for Leeds United’s visit. Le Bris could take use of the opportunity to further incorporate Connolly into the team, with his first minutes in a red-and-white shirt likely coming in the U21 side during the international break.

“Aaron is fit,” Le Bris explained.

“He’s in good shape and wants to play; he’s a good player, so we want him to play as well. The indicators are positive for everyone. since of Ian’s injury, he may be on the bench for the Leeds game, but he will not play since we want to take care of him and do not want to hasten the process. He’s ready, and we’ll use the U21 games scheduled over the international break to give him some playing time. Then, for sure, he’ll be ready after the next two weeks.”

Le Bris stated, however, that Salis Abdul Samed is unlikely to join Connolly in those U21 games. The Sunderland head coach insisted that the club be patient with the RC Lens loanee while he heals from an injury, and as a result, he is unlikely to be able to join the matchday squad immediately following the international break.

“It will be too early for him [to play in the U21s],” Le Bris stated.

“I don’t know when he’ll be back because it’s the same ailment he’s had previously, so we have to be extremely patient with him. That’s the most important thing right now.”