Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée react on social media after Sunderland’s defeat at West Ham as injury absence is explained

Sunderland players moved quickly to show unity and resolve on social media following their 3-1 defeat to West Ham United, with Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée both posting messages in the immediate aftermath of a difficult afternoon at the London Stadium.

Xhaka, who missed the game through injury, watched from the bench as Sunderland were beaten after a damaging first half. The midfielder later shared a message of support for his teammates on Instagram, underlining his backing for the group despite being unavailable for selection. “Not on the pitch today, but always with the team. Trust the boys. I’ll be back soon,” Xhaka wrote.

The 33-year-old was ruled out of the trip to East London with an ankle injury, which Sunderland expect will keep him sidelined for around six weeks. While not involved on the pitch, Xhaka was briefly caught up in an altercation with a West Ham supporter seated behind the dugout late in the game, with stewards stepping in after words were exchanged. The incident was reviewed during the match, with no further action taken.

Le Fée, who featured in the defeat, also took to social media after the final whistle, striking a defiant tone as Sunderland look to move on quickly from the setback. “It was a difficult day. Back to work.” Le Fée wrote, before adding: “Thank you once again for your support.”

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Sunderland were blown away in the opening 45 minutes as West Ham raced into a three-goal lead, before the visitors improved after the break and pulled one goal back through Brian Brobbey. Despite the result, Régis Le Bris’ side were backed throughout by the travelling support, something acknowledged by several players after the game.

Xhaka’s absence was keenly felt in midfield, with the Switzerland international having started 22 league matches prior to his injury. His post was viewed by many supporters as a show of leadership, reinforcing his influence within the group even while sidelined. Meanwhile, Le Fée has become a central figure under Le Bris and is expected to play a key role during Xhaka’s absence.

Sunderland now face a period without one of their most influential players as Xhaka begins his rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, while Le Bris’ side once again look to respond after defeat – something they have consistently shown the ability to do during their Premier League return.

Régis Le Bris acknowledges Sunderland’s poor performance

Régis Le Bris acknowledged that Sunderland were well below their required standards during the opening period of their defeat to West Ham, but insisted the issues went beyond team selection following Granit Xhaka’s absence.

With Le Bris opting against reinforcing the midfield, West Ham took full advantage by scoring three times in the first half. However, the Sunderland head coach stressed that the shape and system were not unfamiliar to his players and had previously delivered results, pointing to the draw against Manchester City on New Year’s Day as evidence. “Yeah, they were better than us in the first half, scored three times, could have scored more goals, better in duels, more composed and the ability to threaten our goal and to score, so they were better, yeah, I agree,” Le Bris said.

“We played more or less like that against Manchester City, for example, so with probably two more creative midfielders, but we used this set-up during the friendly games at the beginning of the season and I expected a good workflow. I think the team selection is not probably the main point, it’s more about our level during this first half.

“We can talk about tactics, about the way we defended this side or this side, the way we attack or defend. It was a question of individual level and we were too far from our standards and when it’s the case in this league, you get punished.”

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