Sunderland XI unchanged as Régis Le Bris makes Dan Ballard decision for Aston Villa trip | OneFootball

Sunderland name an unchanged XI for their Premier League trip to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, with Luke O'Nien continuing at centre-back as Régis Le Bris opts against recalling Dan Ballard immediately after his hamstring issue.

According to Sunderland Echo, Ballard is available, but Le Bris prefers a measured return to reduce the risk of a setback and wants the defender to build fitness rather than rush him.

The head coach has also backed O'Nien's recent form and leadership. He made the close call to bench Lutsharel Geertruida for the 1-0 win over Spurs, noting Nordi Mukiele's strong season at right-back.

On the right flank, Chris Rigg keeps his place, with Chemsdine Talbi again likely to be used as an impact substitute.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, O'Nien, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Rigg, Le Fee, Brobbey.

Subs: Ellborg, Geertruida, Hume, Ballard, Talbi, Mayenda, Isidor, Jones, Cirkin.

Bertrand Traore, Jocelin Ta Bi and Nilson Angulo remain sidelined, with Le Bris expecting them to rejoin full training soon, probably around the Forest game, a little before or after, and he highlighted Jocelin's faster than anticipated recovery.

Source: Sunderland Echo