Sunderland boss Le Bris updates on returning players and latest transfer plans | OneFootball

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has confirmed that the club’s final returning stars from Afcon will be back in contention this weekend.

Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi were on opposing sides of a dramatic Afcon final last Sunday. “They are still friends,” assured Le Bris after the duo returned to north east England. 

The French coach confirmed: “Yeah, they are back training. Habib only today so the check up is still ongoing but they could be available for the next fixture.

“Not only travelling, I hope they will be able to play. But we will see from the starting lineup.”

The return of Sunderland’s African stars has been a great boost to the squad. Le Bris lost six of his players to the international tournament in Morocco.

With the January transfer window open, their could be further reinforcements on their way in to bolster Le Bris’ squad. “We are working on many options,” said the Frenchman on potential incomings. “Sometimes you can achieve your objectives, sometimes it is not possible. We will see.

“Noting official at the minute – but we are working hard.”

As well as the opportunity to sign players, the January transfer window also brigs the risk of losing them. 

Le Bris insisted: “It’s tough to speak about individual players but the whole idea is still the same. For players who need minutes, the conversation is still open. And if we can find an agreement we will move forward.

“At the minute nothing is official for any players but we are working hard behind the scenes.”

One key player who has been linked with a winter exit is Wilson Isidor. Everton are said to be amongst the clubs interested in the French striker.

“Good question. I don’t want to answer,” joked Le Bris when asked if Sunderland can survive without Isidor.

“For Wilson, we’ve had many conversations with him and his agent recently.

“He’s a really good player, important for us, did really well in the past and for sure in the future as well.

“We still have momentum and I think for Sunderland at the minute it is really positive to have Brian (Brobbey) in good form and two strikers, Eliezer (Mayenda) and Wilson, ready to go.

“It’s normal to have some difficult periods because they are still young and new in the league.”