Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has shared an injury update on his squad ahead of the match against Leeds United.
Leeds travel to the Stadium of Light looking to become the first side to even score against Sunderland on their home patch this season under new boss Le Bris.
Three points for Leeds would move them above Sunderland and into first place, at least temporarily. However, they will need to do so with a very injury hit squad.
Of the quintet consisting of Ethan Ampadu, Manor Solomon, Dan James, Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt that missed the draw at Norwich City, Daniel Farke said only Schmidt has a chance of being back fit.
Ilia Gruev only added to Leeds’ injury woes on Tuesday after limping off inside 20 minutes, and he is highly unlikely to have recovered in time to feature on Wearside.
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Regis Le Bris shares Ian Poveda injury update ahead of Leeds
Leeds are not the only side struggling with injuries heading into the game, with Sunderland also likely to be without a couple of key bodies too.
Ian Poveda joined Sunderland on a free transfer from Leeds in the summer and made just his third appearance for the Black Cats against Derby County on Tuesday.
However, just 11 minutes after coming off the bench, the ‘incredible‘ Poveda had to be substituted after picking up a groin injury.
And speaking to Sunderland Echo in his pre-match press conference, Le Bris says Poveda could be out for at least a month, therefore ruling him out of his first potential reunion with Leeds.
He said: “For Ian, it is still too early for the full diagnosis, but I think it is going to be a long injury, maybe four or six weeks. It’s a shame because he is very involved in his progression, his way of training.
“But the Championship is long, we still have 38 games to play. Ian is going to be helpful for the team, but he is going to need time to recover.”
Sunderland also set to be without Dan Ballard vs Leeds
Another key player Sunderland look set to be without is central defender Dan Ballard, who has not featured in either of the last two matches.
Ballard is said to be nursing an ankle injury and is not far from returning, but the clash with Leeds is set to come too early for the Northern Ireland international.
He said: “It [Ballard’s situation] is still a little grey, I can say. We are just in the middle [of working it out]. He could be involved [for Northern Ireland], but I think he needs to recover properly.
“This issue with his ankle could be dangerous if we are not careful. He could play with very heavy strapping, but you know there is a risk of damage afterwards.
“It’s not easy to manage the international break but if we can get the player to his best shape, it is best for everyone in the end. We will have conversations together to find the best way.”
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