Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris sees opportunity for Lutsharel Geertruida amid Nordi Mukiele injury | OneFootball

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris says Nordi Mukiele’s injury could open the door for Lutsharel Geertruida to earn more starts after the defender started Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. According to Sunderland Echo, he set out his stance on Thursday.

It was only the Dutch international’s 11th Premier League start of the season, with his appearances often arriving when the Black Cats have faced shortages.

In autumn he had a run while Omar Alderete followed concussion protocols, and the African Cup of Nations also created opportunities around the turn of the year.

January brought transfer talk linking Geertruida with Premier League champions Liverpool, with Arne Slot, his former Feyenoord coach, considered to be eyeing cover amid injuries. Sunderland refused to sanction an exit.

The 25-year-old remains on loan from RB Leipzig and a permanent move to Wearside at season’s end is still possible. Le Bris stressed his importance despite the modest number of starts.

He said Geertruida is 11th in the squad for minutes and lauded his versatility across defence, midfield and even right wing late in games, making him consistently useful to the group.

Le Bris added that not being fixed to one role should not be taken as a lack of faith. He feels the timing is right for Geertruida to stay in the squad, Bournemouth was a good first step, and he now needs to keep going.

Source: Sunderland Echo