Sunderland will be without a host of first team players when they welcome Leeds United to the Stadium of Light on Friday evening. Callum Elder, Dan Ballard, Salis Abdul Samed and Eliezer Mayenda are unlikely to feature against the Whites.
Big centre-half Ballard has been out since mid-September, having sustained an ankle problem during the Black Cats’ 3-2 defeat at Plymouth Argyle. Neither Ballard nor left-back Elder are expected to return to action until after the international break.
Head coach Régis Le Bris has also confirmed that Mayenda faces a spell on the sidelines. The teenage forward, who made a strong start to the season, contributing two goals and two assists in six matches, was absent from Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Watford because of a minor muscle problem.
Abdul Samed is nearing full fitness following an injury lay-off but is unlikely to be considered for selection for Friday’s clash. The defensive midfielder is still waiting to make his Black Cats debut.
There have been calls in some quarters for new signing Aaron Connolly to be fast-tracked into the starting line-up. The Republic of Ireland international recently joined Sunderland on a free transfer, having been released by Hull City at the back end of last season.
“After the international break (with Connolly) is still the plan, I think,” said Le Bris. “He’s fit, so that’s good news. During training this week he’s shown his qualities technically but also physically as well. I don’t think we’ll rush that prospect. We’ll see, maybe it could be possible, but I’m not sure we will use this possibility.”
