Sunderland Round-Up, Wednesday 14th October: Le Bris Issues Injury Updates as Sunderland Prepare for Historic Torreense Trip
Sunderland are preparing for Thursday's Europa League trip to Portugal, their first away European fixture in 53 years, and there's plenty to report on the injury front. Brian Brobbey and Habib Diarra both travelled with the squad ahead of the Torreense clash, though Régis Le Bris is expected to be careful about how much he asks of the pair (Northern Echo). At the club's open training session at the Academy of Light, there was a boost as Jules Ahoka returned, while Wilson Isidor was absent, and there were further blows surrounding Dan Ballard and Thomas Meunier (Sunderland Echo). Le Bris himself issued a fuller injury update, confirming a fresh concern on top of the existing list (Sunderland Echo), and also outlined his selection plans while warning of the threat Torreense pose (Sunderland Echo). Elsewhere at the Academy of Light, there was focus on Chemsdine Talbi's reaction to being left out against Brighton and a gesture from Florent Ghisolfi that caught attention (Sunderland Echo).
Looking back at the weekend, Le Bris reflected on Saturday's defeat to Brighton, pointing to a key area Sunderland need to improve on despite having had a numerical advantage for much of the second half (Sunderland Echo). That numerical advantage stemmed from Pascal Struijk's red card, which was later overturned by VAR (BBC Sport), a decision Brighton had appealed after the game, with the club now confirming the outcome of that appeal (Sunderland Echo).
Thursday's opponents Torreense have had their own disciplinary drama, with two players sent off ahead of facing Sunderland, though UEFA's suspension rules mean the pair won't automatically be ruled out of the tie (Sunderland Echo). Sunderland have also been given a boost knowing exactly how many more Europa League points they may need to secure to reach the knockout rounds, having started with a perfect record of three points (Sunderland Echo). Portuguese media have offered their own verdict on the Black Cats' opponents, with Torreense's cup win described as something of a "bonus" (Sunderland Echo), while there's also explanation over why the fixture is not actually being staged at Torreense's own ground (Sunderland Echo).
Supporters have been reminded of important travel details, with Sunderland issuing updated ticket and passport guidance for those heading to Portugal (Sunderland Echo) (Sunderland Echo). The Guardian captured the sense of occasion, noting the symmetry of this trip after 53 years away in European competition (The Guardian), a theme also explored by the BBC, who spoke to fans admitting it "doesn't feel real" to be playing in Europe again (BBC Sport). Former Sunderland player Micky Horswill added a personal touch, recalling his grandmother's journey to Budapest for the club's last European away trip, and what this return to Europe means more than five decades on (Sunderland Echo).
Away from Thursday's game, there was team news involving Newcastle United, who have confirmed that their under-21 side will play at St James' Park for the first time this season for the derby meeting with Sunderland (Chronicle Live). Sunderland also announced that pre-season will see a return to North America (SAFC.com).
On the transfer front, a Sunderland centre-back is reportedly attracting interest in a temporary move away after recently returning from a lengthy 12-month injury lay-off (Sunderland Echo). There was also fresh scrutiny of a Brazilian winger with Sunderland links, after reports suggested he has struggled for form in Ligue 1 this season, with a "admission" about his Premier League dream being assessed (Sunderland Echo).
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