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“It’s a bit different for him because he hasn’t been on the pitch”- “Régis Le Bris Breaks Silence on Injured Striker’s future and reveals Shocking Tommy Watson vs Romaine Mundle Debate
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has shared his thoughts on the ongoing situation with injured striker Ahmed Abdullahi.
Abdullahi has yet to make his debut for Sunderland since his move from Gent on deadline day last year.
The 20-year-old required surgery for a pre-existing groin injury, keeping him sidelined for three months.
After returning to training, Abdullahi featured in a few games for the U21s, including a memorable hat-trick against Wolves. However, he has since struggled to train or play.
Despite this setback, Le Bris remains optimistic about Abdullahi’s recovery, stressing that while he needs more time, there are no concerns about any long-term issues.
Sunderland is continuing to take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, ensuring he regains full fitness before making his long-anticipated first-team debut.
“It’s a bit different for Ahmed compared to Mayenda last season because he hasn’t been on the pitch – he’s been dealing with injuries.
Sometimes he’s in the physio room, sometimes with the coaches,” Le Bris explained. “He hasn’t really been part of the project this season, but next season should be different, and we’ll see then.
“I try to stay connected with injured players, not every day, but at least once a week.
But when you’re not part of the squad, it’s more difficult because you don’t follow the same schedule or experience matchdays in the same way. It’s a bit more complicated.
Ahmed is a good guy and remains connected with the team, but he hasn’t been able to get back on the pitch this season.”
Le Bris also spoke about the recent returns of Tommy Watson and Romaine Mundle, who have both regained fitness ahead of the Championship run-in.
“It’s crucial to have specific wingers in our squad,” Le Bris said. “We struggled for a long time this season without them. In our system, these wingers are essential.
“Players like Enzo can fill in, but they don’t have the same qualities to excel in one-on-one situations. Romaine and Tommy are suited to that role, and I’m hopeful they’ll continue to develop in that position.”
Le Bris also offered further insight into Abdullahi’s injury: “Ahmed has had a tough time with this injury.
It’s resolved now, but there have been some ups and downs with pain. The surgery was successful, but sometimes he reacts to the intensity of training. He just needs time.
He’s not ready to train with us yet, but he’ll get there. I’d love to have a third striker, but we’ll have to wait for that.”
