Regis Le Bris says three-week break could aid Sunderland after 2-1 Newcastle win | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris believes the three-week international break could be useful as Sunderland reset after a punishing, injury-hit spell. Sunderland Echo reports that the head coach views the pause as a chance to regroup for the run-in.

The Black Cats beat Newcastle United 2-1 on Sunday and do not play again until 12 April, when relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur visit the Stadium of Light.

Recent absences included Dan Ballard and Robin Roefs, while Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava and Enzo Le Fée were only fit enough for the bench. Longer-term issues remain for Romaine Mundle, Nilson Angulo, Jocelin Ta Bi and Bertrand Traore.

Speaking before the Tyne-Wear derby, Le Bris said the next three weeks would probably help bring players back. He noted they have had as many as eight out, that the core is not massive and many are inexperienced. He cautioned that international duty could also bring fresh setbacks, so nothing is guaranteed.

He reflected on the African Cup of Nations period, which stretched resources for around a month, and said the group has learned to cope with adversity. In his view, reaching 40 points early in this first season was unexpected, and fatigue is natural, but the team’s identity matters most.

He stressed there would be no excuses, only togetherness and hard work to reinforce the squad’s pillars and create conditions for better days with a fresher, fuller group. Recalling last season’s play-offs 10 months ago, he said his side often had to suffer and wait for their moments, and when they arrived, they took them.

Source: Sunderland Echo