Sunderland's injury concerns ahead of Derby County fixture on Tuesday | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris confirmed the return of one key player, while two will be missing for Sunderland's clash with Derby County.

Regis Le Bris revealed that Sunderland will be without two key players ahead of their Championship clash with Derby County at the Stadium of Light.

The two clubs will do battle on the pitch for the first time in six years, when the Wearsiders ran out 4-1 winners at Pride Park.

According to the Northern Echo, the Black Cats boss stated that both Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda would be absent, having missed the side's defeat to Watford on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Sunderland will be strengthened by the return of Alan Browne, while Le Bris outlined the club's plan for new arrival Aaron Connolly.

Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda to miss Derby County clash

Speaking to the Northern Echo, Le Bris confirmed that Ballard would not be available to face Derby, having missed the Wearsiders' most recent fixture with Watford.

Having regained his place in the Sunderland side following a pre-season injury, the centre-back suffered an ankle injury against Plymouth Argyle - a match in which he gave away a decisive penalty.

Despite coming on as a substitute against Middlesbrough, the 25-year-old was missing for the trip to Watford and Le Bris confirmed the ankle injury in a press conference.

As for Mayenda, he started every single one of the Black Cats' matches since the start of the season, but missed the club's visit to Watford with a muscle issue, Le Bris confirmed to the Sunderland Echo.

Despite being unproven at the start of the season, the Spaniard enjoyed a fruitful start to the campaign and contributed two goals and two assists in his opening six matches.

Wilson Isidor is likely to be the main beneficiary of Mayenda's absence and the Frenchman opened his account on his first start at Vicerage Road.

Le Bris confirmed to the Northern Echo that both Ballard and Mayenda are unlikely to feature in Sunderland's crunch game with Leeds United next weekend.

"We think that they will probably be back after the international break," he told the Northern Echo.

Although they will be without Ballard and Mayenda, Sunderland will be boosted by the return of Alan Browne.

The central-midfielder was absent for the club's matches against Middlebrough and Watford, but Le Bris confirmed the 29-year-old would be available for the clash with Derby.

"Alan Browne will be available, but Eliezer and Dan aren’t," the Frenchman told the Northern Echo.

Whether Browne will be thrown straight into the side is unknown, but he adds a healthy option alongside Dan Neil and Chris Rigg, who have partnered each other in each of the Wearsiders' last three matches.

Elsewhere, new signing Connolly has been impressing in training, but Le Bris does not plan on utilising the forward until after the international break. "That's still the case," he told the Northern Echo.

"He's fit, so that's good news. During training this week he's shown his qualities technically but also physically as well. I don't think we'll rush that prospect. We'll see, maybe it could be possible, but I'm not sure we will use this possibility."

While the Wearsiders will be aided by the return of Browne, they will be without Ballard and Mayenda for the Championship clash with Derby.

Sunderland fans will have to remain patient to see Connolly in action, as Le Bris confirmed his plan not to rush the forward into the fray, suggesting he could play a part after the international break.

Both clubs will be aiming to return to winning ways following their respective narrow defeats over the weekend, with Sunderland unbeaten in their last eight meetings between the sides.