Eliezer Mayenda will miss Saturday’s game at Oxford United due to concussion but the striker isn’t suffering any symptoms so as things stand will be fit to return for the final day game against QPR.
Dan Ballard is also expected to be back in the squad against QPR, and while it’s not clear at this stage whether Romaine Mundle will feature in that game, the winger will be fit for the play-offs, providing there are no complications in the next week or so. Mundle has missed Sunderland’s last four games with a hamstring problem.
Aji Alese is also likely to be available again for the play-offs in a further fitness boost. Alese – a key player early in the season – has recovered quicker than expected after suffering a broken leg in January.
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There’s also good news ahead of Saturday’s trip to Oxford, with Dennis Cirkin expected to be back in the squad after his six-game absence because of a hamstring injury.
Le Bris hopes to use Cirkin from the bench at the Kassam Stadium. Jenson Seelt is also likely to be in the squad this weekend after his return from a minor knee setback.
Niall Huggins is also back in training but Le Bris will be patient with the Wales international, who has been out of action for the last 16 months. Ian Poveda is another player who won’t be rushed on the back of what has been a hugely frustrating first season on Wearside for the winger.
“Eliezer is in the concussion protocols until Sunday,” said Le Bris.
“He’s fine, without symptoms, but we have to be very cautious with him.
“Dennis will be on the bench for Oxford and I hope he can get 25, 35 minutes at the end of the game. Jenson is available now, Dan Ballard will be available for the QPR game.
“Romaine should be back in the week before the play-offs, hopefully with one or two more but we have to wait.
“Aji Alese has the same target as Romaine. Ian Poveda should be back around May 5. He has been injured and he’s trying his best to be fit at the end of the season, if we can find a short window and get another player who can help, we will try our best for that.
“Niall [Huggins] trains with the team but after more than 12 months out, he needs time.
“He’s a good guy, good footballer but after so long out, it’s tough to recover your level of course.
“He’s really positive and really helpful to have him, he’s a very good team mate. We don’t know yet what will happen with him.”
