Sunderland faces a challenging injury situation ahead of their upcoming home fixture against Brighton, with several key players sidelined following international duty and pre-season setbacks. Manager Regis Le Bris is expected to provide an update on the squad’s fitness during a press conference on Friday.

Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard are the primary concerns after each sustained hamstring injuries while representing their national teams. Brobbey suffered his injury during the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Germany in the UEFA Nations League. Following the match, Dutch national team coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed Brobbey’s condition and indicated that a replacement striker would be called up, though no decision has yet been made. Brobbey has since returned to Sunderland for further evaluation, with the club yet to disclose a projected recovery timeline.

Similarly, Dan Ballard picked up a hamstring injury during Northern Ireland’s 1-0 victory over Georgia. The Northern Ireland football association announced that Ballard has returned to Sunderland to undergo treatment, wishing the defender a swift recovery. His return to full fitness is currently undetermined.

Other Sunderland players are progressing in their recoveries. Midfielder Habib Diarra, who sustained a hamstring injury in August during a match against Fulham, is nearing a return. Diarra had been sidelined for an estimated six to eight weeks but is reported to be in the middle of his rehabilitation. Le Bris indicated Diarra could be available for selection for the game against Brighton on October 10.

Meanwhile, Romaine Mundle remains out with a knee injury sustained during the preseason. Sunderland’s manager expressed disappointment over the setback but emphasized ongoing support for the player, hoping for his availability by the end of the calendar year.

Aside from these issues, Sunderland also monitored the fitness of Noah Sadiki and Wilson Isidor during the international break, both of whom appear to be in stable condition at this time.

The injury update comes as Sunderland prepares to face Brighton & Hove Albion at home on Saturday, with team selection likely to be influenced by the availability of the affected players. The club’s medical staff and management will continue to monitor recovery progress closely over the coming days.