Sunderland boss Le Bris provides Xhaka injury update | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris says Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka is set to be out for around three weeks.

The midfielder missed the defeat to West Ham with an ankle injury and is not ready to return for Monday’s match with Burnley.

“He will have another assessment in around one week and from that point, we’ll see where he is to define the next stage of its rehabilitation,” the Black Cats boss said.

“So it should take probably three more weeks.

“I think we can’t replace Granit so, we have to build a new set-up with a new leadership as well,” Le Bris continued.

“I think it takes time but, at the same time, Granit wants to create the conditions for new leaders. So, it’s a good period for that. We might struggle a bit, which is normal in the Premier League. It’s not just a question of one player missing, it’s about the level of the league. And we are still a newly promoted side and so, don’t forget this, this perspective is really important.

“And we have to manage a new set-up without the leader from the first part of the season. And I think we have the potential in that squad but it takes time. We need experiences, often negative, even if it’s not comfortable. But you can react and you can learn from that point.”

The match between Sunderland and Burnley takes place during the closing stages of deadline day, but Le Bris insisted his side are not actively seeking new players.

He said: “We don’t need to rush anything… we’ve started well and are happy with our squad.”

However, Le Bris didn’t rule out a late signing, whilst also suggesting “one or two” more players could leave the club before the end of the window.

Sunderland will also be hoping to maintain their unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light on Monday night as they take on Burnley.

Following Arsenal’s recent 3-2 defeat against Manchester United, The Black Cats are now the only Premier League team that remain unbeaten at home this season.