Regis Le Bris hints Granit Xhaka saved for Brighton after FA Cup shock | OneFootball

Sunderland suffered an FA Cup shock in the fifth round, beaten 1-0 by League One bottom side Port Vale, as Regis Le Bris hinted Granit Xhaka was being kept for Premier League duty against Albion on Saturday. According to TheArgus.co.uk, he suggested the league is the priority.

Le Bris made two enforced changes from the side that beat Leeds 1-0 on Tuesday, with Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi replacing suspended Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki. Xhaka stayed on the bench until the closing stages.

Boyhood Newcastle fan Ben Waine headed Vale in front in the 28th minute and Sunderland offered little response as the hosts protected their lead. Deputy goalkeeper Melker Ellborg was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off at Vale Park. With Premier League status secured after last season’s promotion, they might have been fancied to give the cup a go.

Le Bris said: “We need to manage his load. The Premier League is the first objective, 100%.”

Ex-Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips said: “It looked like Port Vale wanted it more.” He told TNT Sports. “They dealt with the conditions better because they have played on this pitch regularly but I can’t use that as an excuse.”

Former Ajax centre-forward Brian Brobbey was ruled out, as was goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a hamstring problem. Roefs looks set to miss out again against the Seagulls, while there are high hopes that Brobbey will return to availability for the Albion game along with left-back Reinildo (knee), versatile defender Nordi Mukiele (calf muscle) and Dennis Cirkin (hamstring).

Source: TheArgus.co.uk