The unwelcome international break may have added to the difficulties that Sunderland already face, with the absence of Habib Diarra. With limited information coming from abroad, it is difficult to assess
how likely it is that we will line up against Wolverhampton Wanderers without both Noah Sadiki and Omar Alderete.
Together with Diarra, the rugged Paraguayan and the energetic young Congolese have quickly established themselves as key figures in Régis Le Bris’ team.
In addition, Reinildo will be serving the third match of his suspension.
Lining up against the struggling Midlanders without those four key players in a fixture which we would hope to win is an unappealing prospect. It is too early in the season to talk about must – win games or six – pointers but, looking ahead at the fixtures between now and Christmas, Saturday represents a key opportunity to gain crucial points.
The circumstances may be far from ideal. But difficult times provide an opportunity for others to step up. There are players waiting in the wings, desperate for a chance to prove themselves in the Premier League.
Dan Ballard is the obvious choice to step in, if Alderete is ruled out. His performance when he came on to shore up the defence against Manchester United, coupled with his strong international performances for Northern Ireland, will allow him to be selected, without the slightest concern about disrupting the defence.
Arthur Masuaku had a difficult time against the Red Devils but, arguably, was left exposed by Le Bris’ team selection. If the decision is to move Trai Hume to left – back in his place, it will give Lutsharel Geertruida a first opportunity to start a game for his new club. The Dutch international has made enough of an impression in his appearances so far that it would be no surprise if he is given a start.
If Sadiki does not recover from his ankle injury, there are several options to fill the two spaces alongside Granit Xhaka that he and Diarra will leave.
Chris Rigg was initially given the chance to fill the vacancy created by Diarra’s injury. Although his time against Aston Villa was limited, he showed enough promise to warrant inclusion, particularly in light of what happened at Old Trafford. His fearless youthfulness may offer the spark and drive to fill the void that Sadiki will leave.
Enzo Le Fée would be an obvious choice to fill the third midfield spot but the French coach values his creativity in a more advanced position. With the warm words that Le Bris has expressed for Dan Neil, it would be no surprise to see him start in midfield alongside Xhaka. Although he has been forced to occupy the No.6 position out of position for much of the last two seasons, his natural game is in a more advanced midfield position.
That would leave the bench light on midfield options but Geertruida could be pushed forward, with Masuaku and O’Nien available to bolster the defence, or Le Fée could drop back, with whichever wingers or strikers who don’t make the starting line – up, coming on to occupy a more advanced position.
The side that lines up on Saturday may well feature some players who are starting for the first time this season. The extensive recruitment during this summer could be facing its first major test but, thankfully, Régis Le Bris will not be left trying to squeeze round pegs into square holes, or blooding youngsters from the Under – 21s.
Instead, he has quality options who will want to seize the opportunity to prove themselves at this level. What we can be certain of is that, under the calm French maestro’s studious preparation, they will already ‘be connected with the group’.
And, at some point in the game, there is every possibility that Luke O’Nien will defy expectations and continue his Sunderland career as a Premier League player.
It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Whoever starts, let’s get the whole stadium behind them from the first whistle.
