Sunderland injuries mount before Leeds as Bertrand Traore admits absentees | OneFootball

Leeds United host injury-hit Sunderland at Elland Road on Tuesday night, with a significant three points on offer. Victory could move Daniel Farke’s side as many as nine points clear of 18th-placed West Ham before the Hammers travel to in-form Fulham 24 hours later.

Sunderland winger Bertrand Traore returned from injury at the weekend. "This period of the season is the most dangerous period, the weather does not help, and also after many games in the legs," he told The Northern Echo. "We have a few injuries, some important players, so I am happy to be back with the boys."

The Black Cats are managing numerous absences, with first-team regulars Nordi Mukiele, Brian Brobbey and Reinildo Mandava out, along with fringe players Jocelin Ta Bi, Romaine Mundle and Dennis Cirkin. Four of those setbacks surfaced ahead of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

That result halted a run of three straight Premier League defeats. Sunderland have won only twice since the turn of the year, both at the Stadium of Light.

Traore added: "This kind of period can always come during the season. As a promoted team, it is normal. It just came now, but it does not have to stay long."

"We have to turn things around. We have to keep doing what we have been doing, working hard as a team, showing great mentality. I think things will be better, and the character we showed is a good thing to take for Leeds on Tuesday."

Leeds will hope any Sunderland revival is delayed this week, with a huge three points on the line. Having navigated their trickiest remaining run while keeping a six-point buffer to the drop zone, they will look to extend it.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk