Régis Le Bris explains Brian Brobbey sub at Everton and reveals new Sunderland injury concern
Sunderland beat Everton 3-0 in a penalty shootout at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday
Régis Le Bris has allayed concerns over an injury to Brian Brobbey but has revealed that Bertrand Traore is an early doubt for Crystal Palace's visit to the Stadium of Light next weekend.
Brobbey replaced Eliezer Mayenda in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium as Sunderland beat Everton on penalties in the third round of the FA Cup, but was withdrawn during half time of extra time. Le Bris confirmed afterwards that it was merely a precaution. Sunderland had been boosted by the return of Noah Sadiki, with the midfielder playing 120 minutes following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this week. Reinildo and Traore were not involved and though the former should be back next Saturday, the latter has emerged as an early doubt though Sunderland are at this stage unsure as to the severity of the issue.
“We are not too worried about Brian because it was tightness in his hamstrings," Le Bris said.
"We have had this previously with him, so we didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. With Reinildo and Bertrand, we will see. Rei might be available next week, but Bertrand has come back with an injury that we will have to assess. It is an injury issue he has come back with, but we don’t really know any more than that yet.”
Sunderland will be without Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi for Crystal Palace's visit, after both Senegal and Morocco progressed to the AFCON semi finals. Depending on their results in the last four, the pair will take part either in the third place play-off next Saturday or the competition final next Sunday.
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Régis Le Bris reacts to Robin Roefs penalty heroics
Le Bris praised Roefs for his spectacular display in the penalty shootout at Everton, saving all three of Everton's penalties.
Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka and Luke O'Nien all scored for Sunderland, wrapping up the contest at the earliest possible juncture.
“He is getting better," Le Bris said.
"He is still young and he wants to learn, so when you give him opportunities to play at this level, he will grow quickly. I think it is only the beginning for him. He will have ups and downs, which is normal, he is really consistent in what he does. He obviously helped the team massively in the penalty shootout."
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