Sunderland boss provides update on January signing Jocelin Ta Bi | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, January signing Jocelin Ta Bi has begun full training at Sunderland and could be closing in on a debut, although he will not feature against Liverpool on Wednesday. Head coach Régis Le Bris said the 21-year-old is in a good place physically.

The Ivory Coast winger took part in contact work ahead of the game as he rebuilds match fitness after an ankle injury. He remains out of contention for Wednesday but the development keeps alive hopes he could contribute over the coming months.

Signed last month from Israeli club Maccabi Netanya, he has impressed Le Bris with his energy and quality with his left foot in sessions. The head coach views him as inexperienced but talented.

Soon after the deal, Le Bris described Ta Bi as a young winger with a rare mix of explosiveness, dribbling and personality in one v ones. He said Sunderland must build him up for Premier League demands, with timelines differing for each player. He also pointed to the club’s model of developing youngsters rather than buying a full squad of experienced players such as Granit or Nordi.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said the club were delighted to add a dynamic, right-sided wide player with high potential and would integrate him patiently. He believes supporters will enjoy the attributes Ta Bi brings as his development continues.

Source: Sunderland Echo