Thomas Meunier left out by Belgium, mixed feelings for Sunderland and Régis Le Bris

Thomas Meunier’s omission from Mark van Bommel’s first Belgium squad has left Sunderland and Régis Le Bris balancing disappointment with a timely upside.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 35-year-old joined days after Belgium’s World Cup exit, with both parties expecting his international career to continue.

With Malick Fofana selected and Meunier omitted, the new head coach may be assessing options before the 2028 European Championships, yet the call still felt severe given the defender’s bright start.

van Bommel spoke to Meunier around a fortnight ago. “I told him that it doesn't end for him,” he said.

“It's just that I am currently choosing other players. Thomas didn't agree with that. 'I'm going to become important again,' he said. That's nice.”

On Wearside, there was sympathy for a popular figure, but the pause offers rest before a brutal spell to November, with three cup ties alongside five Premier League games.

Le Bris called it a setback for the player but no harm for the club, praising Meunier’s professionalism, high standards and desire to learn and play.

Aside from a couple of weeks after the World Cup, he has played virtually non-stop since last summer. When Sunderland return from the break, they will have a key player fit and firing and determined to fight for his place for club and country.

Source: Sunderland Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”