Régis Le Bris
Sunderland is dealing with a major injury blow as winger Bertrand Traoré is anticipated to miss an extended period due to a knee injury. Traoré, who had previously been sidelined for six weeks earlier this year, suffered a suspected recurrence of the injury during a midweek match against Leeds. The club is currently evaluating whether surgery is necessary or if a more conservative treatment approach can be adopted. Regardless of the decision, Traoré will be unavailable for the upcoming weekend match and is an early doubt for the critical Tyne-Wear derby in two weeks.
Régis Le Bris said: “We’re still deciding whether it is surgery or a more conservative treatment, we don’t know this yet. But yes, he will be without him for a while, I think so.”
The absence of Traoré adds to Sunderland’s injury woes, with the team already missing ten senior players for Sunday’s fifth-round FA Cup tie against Port Vale at Vale Park. The injury list includes Robin Roefs, Nordi Mukiele, Brian Brobbey, Dennis Cirkin, Reinildo, Jocelin Ta Bi, and Romaine Mundle. Both Ta Bi and Mundle are battling to return this season after undergoing surgeries for ankle and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Le Bris added: “Brian trained this morning – he won’t be available for Port Vale, but next week he should be okay. Rei should run on the grass this weekend, which is good as well. He’s so close to being back with the squad. Everything is going well. Nordi will probably run next week as well. They are in the bracket to be available around Brighton or Newcastle. Dennis, same idea. He ran last week and it was still a bit painful, but not too much, which is normal. It’s a symptom-based and we still have to adapt the rehabilitation programme according to what he feels, but he’s in a good place.”
Despite the injury setbacks, Sunderland’s FA Cup run offers significant financial benefits. Although far from the Premier League’s lucrative rewards, Sunday’s match against Port Vale carries substantial financial incentives. The club has already secured £338,500 in prize and broadcast money from their previous matches, with Sunday’s game set to earn them an additional £120,000 in broadcast revenue. The winner of the tie will receive £238,500 in prize money and the opportunity to compete for a £477,000 prize pot in the quarter-finals.
About The Author
