Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has confirmed star striker Brian Brobbey has avoided serious injury, although he won’t be available for Saturday’s game with Brighton.
Brobbey’s final act before the international break was to score a hat-trick in the Wearsiders’ 5-3 defeat at Manchester City. He then went away with the Netherlands but broke down clutching his hamstring 35 minutes into their opening game against Germany.
The former Ajax man appeared destined for a lengthy spell on the sidelines but Le Bris expects him, and Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra who is also absent with a hamstring problem, to return soon.
The Frenchman said: “Brian and Habib are on a similar schedule and will be available soon. Habib is really close. He’s in a good place. Almost every session is done for the full recovery. So, in around one week he’ll be fully available.
“With Brian, it’s going to be short term [as well]. It’s really positive, we were a bit worried when we saw the video but Brian, just after the game, wasn’t too worried because he experienced different injuries in the past. He was adamant that it wasn’t too serious and it’s the case. We won’t take too many risks, but it won’t be too long.”
Ballard blow for Sunderland
There was less positive news on Dan Ballard. The Northern Ireland centre-half also sustained a problem during the international break and is set to miss a significant chunk of Sunderland’s busy upcoming schedule that includes games in the Premier League, EFL Cup and Europa League.
“It’s a shame for Ballard because he was in a good place and will be sidelined for a few weeks,” said Le Bris. “It’s a medium-term injury.”
Sunderland head into the weekend clash with Brighton in 14th place in the Premier League table.
The Seagulls are third after resounding wins over Coventry (5-0) and Arsenal (3-0).
“They have had a good start to the season with a young, dynamic squad,” said Le Bris. “It will be a challenge, but we know our strengths.”
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