Brian Brobbey injury update and return date as Sunderland boss happy for stars to hit out

The Black Cats have won both of their matches in the Europa League ahead of tonight's clash with Lech Poznan, but have struggled so far in the Premier League and sit bottom of the table after a disastrous weekend against Bournemouth.

Three days after their 2-1 away win to Torreense, Sunderland were beaten 2-0 by on the south coast and had Kevin Danso dismissed. It was a game which was littered with defensive errors - Danso and Omar Alderettte in particular - as the domestic form continues to suffer amid the European exploits.

After that game, defender Nordi Mukiele said “maybe we became arrogant” and following Tottenham Hotspur's win over Coventry City 24 hours later, it dumped the Wearsiders to the bottom of the table.

Asked if there had been ramifications following that defeat, Le Bris said: “For sure, because when we lose games we are not happy and it’s always emotional after a game.

“I think this team has emotions and this team cares a lot as well, so it’s really positive to have reactions and to try to find solutions because we still have a good team.

“The results are not good enough in the Premier League and we know how relentless this league is. When you make a few mistakes you get punished really quickly. It was the case once again at Bournemouth.

“So it’s important to understand, it’s important to work together, it’s important to share ideas as well and to be tough with each other, telling the truth when it’s necessary to move forward.”

Sunderland have so far claimed Europa League wins over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, with Poznan having lost both of their matches 4-0.

A tight turnaround sees the Black Cats back in league action against Leeds at the weekend and Le Bris provided an injury update, revealing that Brian Brobbey will remain sidelined for the Poznan clash but could feature on Sunday.

Brobbey picked up a hamstring injury on international duty with Holland. He was then named in the squad for the game against Torreense, only to then be surprisingly omitted for the clash with Bournemouth a few days later amid fears he had suffered a setback.

“Brian is in a good place, he has trained with the squad the last 10 days more or less, so knowing that it was an hamstring injury it’s always important to take care of him and not rush the process, so we are on the way,” Le Bris said.

“He won’t play tomorrow, that’s obvious, but he should be ready for Leeds.

“For the others, Omar (Alderete) is fine and from the last game at Bournemouth (there are) no injuries. We still have Thomas (Meunier) and Wilson (Isidor) and they are in a good place, we’ll see if they can be ready soon.”

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