Kembali
As many as eight stars could be missing from Sunderland's Europa League clash with Lech Poznan on Thursday, with Regis Le Bris short of options up front. The Black Cats are without Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor who are both dealing with minor injuries, though the latter could be back in contention on Thursday.
Youngster Timur Tutierov started the Black Cats win over Torreense in Portugal last week, before leading the line in the disappointing defeat to Bournemouth. Le Bris is clearly an admirer of the young Ukrainian, but the Wearsiders struggled in the final third on both occasions in the absence of their two more senior stars.
Brobbey has made a bright start to the season, scoring a hattrick against Manchester City, before picking up an injury during the international break.
The Dutch striker was named on the bench for the trip to Portugal, but was not risked against the Cherries. Explaining Brobbey's absence, Le Bris said: "We decided not to rush the process.
"He is in a good place and has trained with the squad all week, but after a hamstring injury, it is still important to stay cautious. We have delayed his game time a little bit, but probably next week we will see him if everything is going right."
Le Bris will have to now decide whether to risk Brobbey or Isidor, with the Sunderland boss set to provide a fresh update from Poland this evening.
Sunderland will also be without experienced defender Thomas Meunier, who suffered a hamstring injury against Brighton earlier this month.
He was ruled out of the clash with Bournemouth at the weekend and won't be involved on Thursday night.
The same can be said for Dan Ballard, who recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained on international break, while Romaine Mundle is also doing rehabilitation following an ACL injury.
Sunderland's opponents Lech Poznan also have several injury concerns heading into the tie.
The Polish outfit were dealt a major blow with Iranian striker Allahyar Sayyadmanesh picking up a hamstring injury.
Speaking after a draw with German side Energie Cottbus in a friendly, Lech boss Frederiksen said: "Allahyar’s situation is serious. He is out because of a hamstring injury.
"We expect him to be sidelined for around four weeks, and after four weeks he should return to the team. It is not good news, but that is football."
Lech Poznan are also without Swedish international Alex Douglas who is recovering from an ankle injury, while fellow Iranian international Ali Gholizadeh is recovering from a long-term ACL injury.