Régis Le Bris keeps Sunderland unchanged as Dan Ballard remains on bench at Aston Villa | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris has kept Sunderland unchanged for their Premier League trip to Aston Villa this afternoon, with Dan Ballard not rushed straight back after a hamstring issue. According to Sunderland Echo, Luke O'Nien continues at centre-half at Villa Park.

Le Bris said Ballard is available but there is no need to hurry him, with the focus on building fitness to reduce the risk of a setback. He also backed O'Nien's leadership and recent form.

On the right flank, Chris Rigg keeps his place and Chemsdine Talbi is again set for an impact role from the bench. At right-back, Le Bris said Nordi Mukiele has been a starter and described the recent call as 51-49 when Lutsharel Geertruida dropped out for the 1-0 win over Spurs.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, O'Nien, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Rigg, Le Fee, Brobbey. Subs: Ellborg, Geertruida, Hume, Ballard, Talbi, Mayenda, Isidor, Jones, Cirkin.

Bertrand Traore, Jocelin Ta Bi and Nilson Angulo remain sidelined, though Le Bris expects them to rejoin full training soon. He suggested it could be around the Forest game, a little before or after, and noted Jocelin’s recovery has been quicker than first thought before the Chelsea match.

Source: Sunderland Echo