Régis Le Bris gives Sunderland injury update and intensity verdict after Stade Rennais win | OneFootball

Sunderland finished pre-season with a 2-1 win over Stade Rennais at the Stadium of Light, but Thomas Meunier is a major doubt for the Premier League opener at Ipswich Town. The right back missed the game with back pain.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, Meunier impressed on debut at RC Lens last week and will be assessed in the coming days. Régis Le Bris said Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele are on track to feature at Portman Road, though he had suggested last week that starting might be too soon.

Le Bris said they do not yet know on Meunier’s status. He added Alderete should rejoin full training next week and Mukiele is not far away, so both could be more or less available for Ipswich.

He declined to comment on reports of a move for Toulouse left back Dayann Methalie, noting the situation is up in the air. He said Kyril and Flo are working hard behind the scenes, and any outcome depends on the market, which he hopes will allow progress.

On the pitch, Rennes led through Esteban Lepaul’s penalty before Sunderland hit back via Brian Brobbey and Trai Hume. The hosts dominated the closing stages and the margin might have been wider.

Le Bris said the first half lacked aggression and that a sharper, higher intensity second period made the difference. He warned that intensity will be crucial at Ipswich, newly promoted and at home in their first game, and Sunderland must reach their second-half levels.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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