Le Bris views squad competition as a ‘good problem’

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has characterized the competition for spots in his team’s attacking line as a “good problem to have,” as the Championship leaders prepare for their Saturday trip to Queens Park Rangers. Sunderland has secured nine victories in their 12 Championship fixtures this season. Eliezer Mayenda, who began the season as the club’s primary striker before sustaining an injury in September, is now deemed fit for selection. However, fellow forward Wilson Isidor has scored four goals in six league appearances, and both Aaron Connolly and Nazariy Rusyn are also vying for playing time. Le Bris conveyed to BBC Radio Newcastle that “It is a good problem for me and a good problem for the team to have that level of competition.” He further stated, “Eliezer is ok, he is ready to play, he did very well in the first part of the season and was very important for us.” Eliezer Mayenda has netted two goals in six appearances for Sunderland this season. In October, Sunderland emerged victorious in four of their five Championship encounters. The team established a five-point lead over second-placed Burnley last weekend, a feat aided by Isidor’s expertly placed volley during their 2-0 home win against Oxford United. Connolly entered the game as a late substitute, whereas Rusyn was not brought on from the bench. Le Bris commented, “We have to find the right level [of competition], if it is too much, some of the players won’t be involved and we will lose them.” He continued, “But at the minute, it is not the case.” He concluded by saying, “It is the right level of frustration when you don’t play and you know that it is possible, but it’s not the right moment.” Beyond the competition for attacking roles, Le Bris also anticipates the return of defender Daniel Ballard, who is nearing recovery from a knee injury. Additionally, he expressed hope for the swift return of injured goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, though Simon Moore is once more projected to start in the match against QPR. Regarding Patterson, Le Bris stated, “We have to wait. It’s not too serious but it depends on pain.” He added that Patterson “wasn’t able to train this week but maybe next week it will be possible.” This season, Patterson has achieved six clean sheets across 11 Championship matches, while Moore recorded a clean sheet in his only league outing against Oxford.