13 Players Confirmed to Miss Sunderland vs Leeds United Clash

Sunderland has had a strong start under new manager Regis Le Bris, with the Frenchman leading the team to six wins in eight league matches.

As a result, they are currently at the top of the second tier.

In contrast, Leeds, who were pre-season promotion favorites, are currently in the play-off spots.

A win against Sunderland would see Leeds go level on points with the Black Cats, and they could even top the table if they win by two or more goals.

This upcoming match is highly anticipated, as both teams seek an early-season statement victory in the promotion race.

Sunderland Team News

One of the most impressive aspects of Sunderland’s success so far is that they have managed it despite a number of key injuries.

Unfortunately, the injury situation has not improved ahead of their clash with Leeds.

Dan Ballard, a key centre-back, was unexpectedly called up to the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming matches.

However, his ankle injury is likely to prevent him from playing against Leeds, and his participation for Northern Ireland remains uncertain.

Additionally, Sunderland suffered another injury blow in their recent midweek victory over Derby County, with Ian Poveda picking up a muscle problem that is expected to sideline him for up to six weeks.

Poveda will miss the chance to face his former club, Leeds.

Other long-term absentees include Eliezer Mayenda, Aji Alese, Jenson Seelt, Salis Abdul Samed, and Niall Huggins.

On a positive note, Aaron Connolly, who recently joined Sunderland as a free agent, was initially expected to focus on building fitness during the international break.

However, there’s a possibility he could be named on the bench if Le Bris decides to change his plans.

With a short turnaround after their win over Derby, Le Bris may choose to rotate his squad, potentially bringing in Alan Browne to the starting lineup.

Leeds United Team News

Leeds, like Sunderland, also face a tight schedule, having played just three days ago in a 1-1 draw at Norwich City.

The team has its own injury concerns, with Ilia Gruev forced off early in the Norwich match due to an injury.

Gruev has since undergone surgery and will be sidelined for a significant period.

He joins a growing injury list for Leeds, which includes Max Wober, Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James, and Manor Solomon.

Solomon is nearing a return to action, but the Sunderland match is expected to come too soon for him.

On the bright side, Leeds boss Daniel Farke hinted that Isaac Schmidt could return to the squad.

Schmidt, a summer signing, was expected to have trained yesterday after recovering from a knock sustained earlier in the season.

Aside from the necessary change in midfield due to Gruev’s injury, Farke may make additional alterations to keep the squad fresh.

Joe Rothwell is expected to partner Ao Tanaka in midfield, while Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe could be brought into the starting lineup to inject fresh legs, although neither forward impressed in their last outing at Carrow Road.