Neither Abdullahi nor Ogusunyi have made a senior appearance for the Black Cats, but the strike duo are both pushing for a debut outing.
Abdullahi boasts some senior experience after making two outings for Gent in the Belgian top-flight and playing a number of matches for Gent’s second-string side in Belgium’s third-tier Eerste Nationale.
The 20-year-old suffered an injury within weeks of joining Sunderland last summer, but has played in the club’s last two Under-21 matches and scored a hat-trick in the midweek win over Huddersfield Town.
Ogusunyi has also been a regular scorer for Sunderland at Under-21s level, and while he is yet to get a taste of senior action, the 18-year-old has been the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool and has been an unused substitute in the Black Cats’ last three Championship games.
“Ahmed and Trey are probably at the same level,” said Regis Le Bris, who remains unable to give an indication of when January loan signing Jayden Danns might be available to make his Sunderland debut.
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“Ahmed has more experience, but he has been injured and did not train a lot of late. He is probably still only at 70 per cent.
“Trey has less experience, but has trained every day. So, they are probably at the same level and then we will see moving forward.”
Abdullahi was sidelined for more than four months after undergoing surgery to resolve a pre-existing groin issue shortly after his deadline-day arrival from Gent in the summer.
He certainly looked sharp enough as he claimed a hat-trick for the Under-21s in midweek, but Le Bris wants to continue building up his fitness before considering him for senior duty.
“I don’t know exactly when Ahmed will be available because it has been a little inconsistent for him,” said the Sunderland boss. “He has shown good qualities on the pitch, but initially, he had some discomfort around his previous injuries.
“Now, he is finding a good rhythm, so if he can maintain this for a period, then he can be very helpful for us. He has good qualities.”
