Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris drops update on Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard situations | OneFootball

Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris drops update on Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard situations | OneFootball

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·9 January 2025

Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris drops update on Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard situations

Article image:Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris drops update on Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard situations

Régis Le Bris has given an update ahead of Sunderland's clash with Stoke City this weekend

Régis Le Bris has offered an injury update on Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard ahead of Sunderland’s clash with Stoke City.


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The Black Cats will meet Mark Robins’ side in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend, with both sides looking to progress in the famous knock-out competition.

Sunderland will come into the game off the back of consecutive victories in the league, giving them a 100 per cent start to 2025.

However, injury concerns across the squad are an issue that the Frenchman is having to juggle to start the new calendar year.

Sunderland injury update

Article image:Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris drops update on Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard situations

Le Bris has confirmed that both Rigg and Salis Abdul Ahmed will be in contention for a place in the side against Stoke this weekend, but that Ballard will be absent.

The Sunderland coach also confirmed that patience will be needed with Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson, who will need another few weeks to recover to full fitness.

“Salis and Riggy will be available for [the Stoke] fixture. Ballard will be too soon, probably one week more," said Le Bris, via the club's official YouTube channel.

“I think Ahmed Abdullahi could be available. We will see.

“We have to wait [for Mundle and Watson].

“Maybe three or four more weeks.”

Sunderland league position

The FA Cup action this weekend will serve as a break from the intense automatic promotion battle that Sunderland are currently competing in.

The Wearside outfit are fourth in the Championship table ahead of their clash with the Potters, who are 19th in the division.

Sunderland failed to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup last year, suffering a 3-0 loss at home to bitter rivals Newcastle United.

Le Bris’ side will host Stoke on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light, with the draw for the next round set to take place the following evening after the conclusion of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.

Article image:Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris drops update on Chris Rigg and Dan Ballard situations

Mixed injury update for Sunderland

Rigg being back is a positive step forward for the team given how important he’s become for the squad this season.

Waiting another week for Ballard is a blow because giving him some minutes in a less important game against Stoke would’ve been an easier way to bed him back into the side.

Meanwhile, it’s no surprise that Watson and Mundle will need another few weeks given the extent of their injuries.

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