Sunderland are facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of the new Premier League season, with Luke O’Nien, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, and Leo Hjelde all ruled out of the first three matches.
O’Nien and Alese both underwent shoulder surgeries during the summer, Cirkin continues to recover from a wrist injury sustained last November, and Hjelde is sidelined with an Achilles problem.
As a result, all four defenders will miss the opening fixtures against West Ham, Burnley, and Brentford, leaving head coach Regis Le Bris with limited options at the back.
With only Dan Ballard and Jenson Seelt available as fit senior centre-backs, Sunderland are prioritising the signing of a new central defender. Chris Mepham, who impressed on loan last season, has since returned to Bournemouth.
In more positive news, Sunderland have confirmed that Habib Diarra will be available for Saturday’s pre-season opener against South Shields.
However, international clearance is still pending for Noah Sadiki and Chemsdine Talbi, ruling them out of the match at the 1st Cloud Arena.
New signings Simon Adingra and Reinildo will also be absent. Adingra’s transfer was only finalised on Thursday, while Reinildo is yet to join up with the squad after being granted an extended break following his involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup with Atletico Madrid. He is expected to join the team after their return from Portugal later this month.
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