Régis Le Bris on Jocelin Ta Bi signing and winger’s ankle injury | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris said Sunderland’s new signing Jocelin Ta Bi needs time to reach full fitness after an ankle issue, but described it as not serious. He added the 20-year-old should be fit before too long.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Ivory Coast winger joined earlier this week for a fee in the region of £3.5 million, with Celtic having previously advanced a move amid Scottish reports he could need surgery. Le Bris said surgery is not required.

He explained the ankle will be managed and that around two or three weeks will be needed to build the winger’s fitness.

Ta Bi is viewed as a long-term addition after impressing in the Israeli League in the first half of the season. Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has said he will be integrated patiently, and Le Bris will give him the chance to impress in training.

The head coach described him as a young winger with a specific profile, highlighting rare explosiveness, dribbling and courage in one-v-one situations. He said the task now is to build his profile to be ready for the Premier League.

Le Bris admitted timelines vary, noting some players step up quickly. He framed this within the club’s identity of developing young players, adding they cannot buy a full squad of experienced players like Granit or Nordi. He hopes they become strong players for the club.

Source: Sunderland Echo