Regis Le Bris says three-week pause could be useful for Sunderland after 2-1 Newcastle United win | OneFootball

Sunderland face a three-week pause until April 12th when they host relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light, and Regis Le Bris says the gap could help an injury-hit group reset after a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.

According to Sunderland Echo, the head coach views the international break as a chance to regain freshness and recover players.

Before the derby he said the three weeks would probably help players return, but he warned international games can also bring new injuries.

Recent absentees included Dan Ballard and Robin Roefs, while Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava and Enzo Le Fée were only fit to start on the bench. Long-term issues also affect Romaine Mundle, Nilson Angulo, Jocelin Ta Bi and Bertrand Traore.

Le Bris reflected that this first season’s early progress to 40 points was probably unexpected, yet injuries and fatigue are now testing a relatively small, inexperienced squad. He said they have had as many as eight players injured. He also said the Africa Cup of Nations period, when key players were away for about a month around the turn of the year, has shaped how they handle setbacks.

He said the group will not look for excuses, and will lean on togetherness and hard work to reinforce core principles and create conditions for better days when more players return.

Recalling the play-offs 10 months ago, he noted Sunderland often had to suffer without dominating, wait for their moments, then take them.

Source: Sunderland Echo