Sunderland’s Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda have returned to training but will not be fit to face Luton Town, according to Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland will try to build on their impressive start to the season with a victory over Luton Town on Wednesday night.
The Black Cats have had an excellent start to the Regis Le Bris era, leading the Championship after ten games. They are a point ahead of Burnley in second place after overcoming Hull City 1-0 at the weekend thanks to a solitary goal from Wilson Isidor.
Le Bris’ team will be looking for another win against Luton Town on Wednesday night, although the Hatters should be optimistic after upsetting rivals Watford 3-0 the previous weekend.
Sunderland will have hoped for a couple of injury boosts before their trip to Luton Town. However, lately injured players Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda remain unavailable.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, the Black Cats manager said that both are back in training, but neither is ready to play on Wednesday.
Mayenda and Ballard last appeared in a Championship win over Middlesbrough on September 21st.
Playing it safe
While it is encouraging that Ballard and Mayenda have returned to training, it is unfortunate that they will not be able to participate against Luton Town on Wednesday night.
Perhaps a more probable return date is this weekend’s game against Oxford United. However, it’s possible that the pair will be eased back in with bench appearances.
In their place
Fortunately, Sunderland has the depth to manage with the absences of Ballard and Mayenda.
Injuries have resulted in a defensive scarcity, but Luke O’Nien and Chris Mepham’s collaboration has proven to be a success. Up top, the previously mentioned Isidor has carved out a starting spot ahead of Nazariy Rusyn and Aaron Connolly, with Ahmed Abdullahi on his way back.
Ballard and Mayenda may face an uphill battle to join a team that has performed admirably. It should only bring out the best in the duo as they struggle to restore their positions.
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