Régis Le Bris hints at two Sunderland calls after Reinildo injury opens door for Dennis Cirkin | OneFootball

Reinildo's month-long knee injury could hand Dennis Cirkin a major opportunity to prove his long-term credentials at Sunderland, while Régis Le Bris weighs up left back and midfield calls before Fulham's visit to the Stadium of Light.

According to Sunderland Echo, Reinildo could be back for next month's Newcastle United game, yet his absence means four matches without the influential left back. Le Bris can switch Trai Hume across, though Cirkin boosted his case with a tidy display at Oxford United last week.

Cirkin is out of contract this summer and has said he is relaxed about the situation and content to see how the season unfolds. Le Bris views the 23-year-old as a clear option for the run-in and has challenged him to deliver over time.

Le Bris said Cirkin is in a good place and that recent work has centred on consistency in training and matches. He feels the full back is ready for Premier League action, though he has not yet had a 10 to 15 game run with Reinildo ahead of him.

Left back is one of two selection dilemmas before Sunday afternoon, with Granit Xhaka's return from an ankle injury giving Le Bris a welcome puzzle in central midfield.

Le Bris suggested moving Habib Diarra to the right was unlikely from the start, preferring him centrally for his power and intensity while noting he still needs Premier League experience.

Source: Sunderland Echo