Le Bris now handed big double injury boost ahead of play-offs

Sunderland and Regis Le Bris have received not one but two significant injury boosts ahead of their Championship play-off campaign, according to a recent report.

Sunderland’s patchy form continues ahead of play-offs

The Black Cats have long been cemented as a team in this season’s Championship play-offs after falling short of competing for an automatic spot but having a big enough cushion to the teams below them.

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That has meant Sunderland haven’t really had much to play for in recent games, as they continue to have a nine-point lead over fifth-place Bristol City. The fact they haven’t had much to play for is shown in the results, as Sunderland have won two of their last seven Championship games. They suffered two defeats over the weekend, with their latest being a 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers, and while Le Bris was unhappy with the result, he was pleased with his side’s performance.

“The energy was largely positive, the way we played. Disappointing result, positive performance.

“The opponent had a specific plan; only two shots and one goal. They were efficient, and it wasn’t the case for us. It is now a question of mindset, energy, ambition and desire.”

Sunderland: Le Bris handed double injury boost ahead of play-offs

Le Bris has made several changes to his team in recent weeks to keep everyone fresh, and now with only two games remaining before the play-off campaign gets underway, the Sunderland boss has revealed an injury boost. Relayed by The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, Le Bris has now revealed that he expects Dennis Cirkin and Dan Ballard to return in time for the play-offs.

Cirkin has not played for the Black Cats since being substituted in the 3-0 defeat to Coventry City in the middle of March, meaning he has missed the last six league games. There was a possibility the full-back was going to be on the bench for the game against Rovers, but Le Bris decided not to risk him, with him now set to return to training this week and possibly be involved against Oxford United at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Ballard has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of February and while he isn’t expected to be involved against Oxford, he is making good progress on his return and could be involved against QPR on the final day of the season.

“We will probably have Dennis next week, and then we should have Ballard after the Oxford game. Hopefully, he will be available for the last game (against QPR),” Le Bris told The Northern Echo.