Le Bris reveals Sunderland blow ahead of Fulham game but defender fit to feature

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has confirmed Nordi Mukiele is available for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Fulham.

Mukiele suffered an injury during the final stages of Sunderland’s pre-season tour of the United States and was an unused substitute against Ipswich on the opening day.

However, the defender has now returned to fitness and is set to be available for selection against Fulham.

“Nordi is so important for us, it was a shame to get this injury just at the last minute of our US tour,” Le Bris said.

“It broke his dynamic because he started really well this pre-season with high standards and he was really impressive on his right side, but Thomas did well so we had a good replacement.

“Nordi is ready but with these three weeks less in this journey so he will be available this weekend.”

Omar Alderete, meanwhile, has followed a different programme after representing Paraguay at the World Cup and suffering an early injury during the tournament.

Le Bris confirmed the defender is also available again, although he admitted Alderete is still working towards full match sharpness.

“Omar had a different programme because of the World Cup and an early injury as well in the World Cup so he will be available as well, but you saw against Ipswich, he’s not at his best right now which is normal in this time,” he said.

Sunderland will, however, be without Dayann Methalie through suspension, with the defender banned after picking up five yellow cards while playing in France.

“Dayann will be suspended for five yellow cards he received in France,” Le Bris said.

“It’s always better to have a full squad but we’ll manage the situation.”