Roberts 'available' after injury scare - Le Bris
- Published
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has been speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle ahead of the Black Cats' Championship clash at home to Preston North End on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).
Here are the key takeaways:
Patrick Roberts is "available to start" after going off with a suspected injury just 24 minutes into the 2-1 win over Cardiff at the weekend.
Le Bris says Jobe Bellingham has "managed the situation very well" after playing the past three games on nine bookings for the season - one caution away from a two-match suspension. The Preston game is the last match in which he could pick up a ban for 10 yellow cards as the number required extends to 15 after gameweek 37.
On Chris Mepham becoming the 17th league goalscorer of the season on Saturday: "It's important to find different solutions to score. I think we're good in fast attacks, we have pace at the top of the pitch, we showed it early in the season. If we have only this strength, I think we become predictable so it's important to have different options."
Wilson Isidor is "frustrated" to have been left out the starting line-up in the past two games.
Le Bris said: "The conversation was totally open and clear from my point of view. The players want to play, they want to score. But they know we need the full squad to maintain the level. It was important for Eli [Mayenda] as well to get some minutes and to score goals so now we have two very good strikers and I think that's better for us than having only one."
On facing Preston: "Preston are a good team, they are powerful, they are well connected, we can feel the teamwork. It's a tough game."
And whether Preston not being in realistic play-off contention or danger of relegation makes a difference: "It's still difficult because if you don't have a risk, you can play with more freedom and be more creative and take more risks. What we can control is the way we play and that's the main focus for us."