Regis Le Bris speaks out on Sunderland player’s future | OneFootball

Leo Hjelde may still have a future at the Stadium of Light despite his lack of game time, according to Le Bris.

Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde still has a future at the Stadium of Light under Regis Le Bris.

This is according to the Black Cats' boss, who acknowledged his lack of game time, but also said to the Northern Echo that the defender still had a role to play on Wearside despite the fact he hasn't been as involved as he would have wanted to.

Hjedle can operate in both central defence and at left-back, but they have quite a few options in central defence when most of their players are fit.

Aji Alese, Joe Anderson, Daniel Ballard, Zak Johnson, Chris Mepham, Luke O'Nien and Jenson Seelt can all play at centre-back, along with Dennis Cirkin if required.

Not all of these options are available, with Alese currently out of action with an ankle injury, but there are quite a few options in central defence who can step up to the plate when required.

Ballard and O'Nien have been regular starters alongside each other when both have been available - and the chances of Hjelde starting in the middle anytime soon appear to be slim.

At left-back, Cirkin is the main option at the moment, but he has had some injury issues in recent years and Anderson, who can play on the left, may not be ready to make the full step up to the Championship at this stage.

Niall Huggins can play on both sides, but he has suffered very badly with injuries during his time at the Stadium of Light and remains out of action with a knee injury.

With this in mind, a starting spot at left-back could be up for grabs for Hjelde if he can perform well, but if Cirkin stays fit, he may not win that many minutes anytime soon.

The ex-Leeds United man has made just one appearance so far this season, with that appearance coming in the EFL Cup against Preston North End.

Regis Le Bris on Leo Hjelde's Sunderland future

Hjelde may not be playing much at the moment, but Le Bris believes there's still a role for him to play on Wearside.

He said: "He's very close to the team and he will have opportunities for sure.

"He's a good player, he has a good mentality, he is still very connected with the team. We need this kind of player.

"They are not really involved at the minute but they are very close to the team and I'm sure he will have an opportunity to play."

Leo Hjelde needs to consider his Sunderland future

Hjelde is at an exciting club.

The Black Cats have some very talented young players and they have made a good start to the season.

They are on a decent path and could push for a place in the top flight in the coming years, which is an exciting thing for Hjelde.

But the defender has to be selfish and put himself first by securing as much game time as possible.

A January exit should be a consideration for him if the Wearside club are open to that, because the ex-Leeds man needs time on the pitch to give himself the best chance of fulfilling his potential.