Le Bris provides injury update on Sunderland star – and says midfielder could miss AFCON | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris says Reinildo is “fine” after an injury concern for the defender while on international duty.

The Mozambique international suffered “discomfort”, the Sunderland boss said, but provided an encouraging update on the defender.

“He felt discomfort in his hamstring, which is not serious,” Le Bris said.

“He had a previous injury a few years ago so it’s more something that’s related to an old injury than a new injury, so he will be fine.”

Le Bris also confirmed that Denis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde and Romain Mundle are set to play for Sunderland’s Under-21 side against Sporting CP on Thursday as they continue to work their way back from injury.

“90 minutes for Denis and 45 for Leo and Romain,” he said. “Good news for them.”

However, it will be too early for any of them to play a part in Saturday’s game against Fulham, Le Bris added.

Meanwhile, Le Bris says there is a chance that midfielder Habib Diarra may not go to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal depending on how his recovery from injury progresses.

Diarra has not played for the Black Cats since September.

“I think for Habib, and our players in general, it’s really important to look after their health,” he said.

“His rehab is in progress and I think we are in a good place but we don’t want to rush the process because we need Habib for the second part of the season in his best shape.

“If it’s too early to restart with his national team and he can damage his health, we won’t take risks, but we’ll see.”