Sunderland AFC dealt irritating blow ahead of Leeds United on Friday | OneFootball

Régis le Bris has confirmed an injury absence will impact the team against Leeds United on Friday night

Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Ian Poveda is set to miss this weekend’s upcoming Sunderland clash against his former club Leeds United.

The 24-year-old came off the bench in the second half for Patrick Roberts, but had to be substituted off in the closing stages after suffering an issue.

The midfielder lasted just 10 minutes in the 2-0 win over Derby County on Tuesday night, having been forced off due to muscle concerns.

This was Poveda’s third league appearance of the season, having been used as a substitute each time.

A thigh injury had previously kept him out of action earlier in the campaign, with last weekend’s loss to Watford being his return to action after a lay-off.

Regis Le Bris confirms Ian Poveda injury timeline with Leeds United clash ruled out

Le Bris has confirmed that Poveda will not get to face the club he departed this past summer on Friday night, as he will be absent for at least the next two weeks.

Fortunately for Sunderland, the October international break will eat up most of this recovery time, and he is hopeful that Tommy Watson can step up in Poveda’s absence after replacing him in the 85th minute against the Rams.

"Yes, I think he will be injured for a couple of weeks - I don't know exactly yet," said Le Bris, via the Sunderland Echo.

"It will be difficult for him.

“Tommy did well when he went on the pitch so it is like that, we know that we have a strong team with many talented players and young players as well.

“It will be an opportunity for Tommy to play and to give his energy and his talent to the team."

Goals from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor either side of half time secured a 2-0 win for the Black Cats ahead of their big game against Leeds on Friday night, putting them top of the table due to West Brom's defeat at home to Middlesbrough.

Sunderland AFC's Championship league position

The 2-0 victory over Paul Warne’s side has moved Sunderland up to first in the Championship table, taking advantage of West Brom’s loss to Middlesbrough.

The Wearside outfit have earned 18 points from a possible 24, and lead second place Burnley by one point.

The gap to Leeds is just three points going into their meeting at the Stadium of Light this Friday, with the Whites currently sitting in fourth.

The two sides will meet in an 8pm kick-off, in what will be their final fixture before the October international break.

Ian Poveda's start to life at Sunderland will be frustrating

Given Poveda had just made his return to injury, it is a big blow for him to head back to the sidelines so swiftly.

His absence will be a blow for Sunderland, as he brings a creative quality to the side that can be decisive, and a useful alternative to the likes of Romaine Mundle and Patrick Roberts.

It is also disappointing that he will not get to face his former side, where he left in the summer at the end of his contract, especially with how close the two teams are in the table at this stage, as he would have surely had a point to prove after an underwhelming stint in South Yorkshire.

Sunderland’s good form should give supporters some optimism that they can still earn a positive result even without Poveda on Friday night, as they've been doing well enough without him in the opening two months of the season.