Jenson Seelt’s in-game injury issue worries Sunderland fans as Le Bris drops Nectar Traintis hint vs Sporting
Jenson Seelt’s in-game injury issue worries Sunderland fans as Le Bris drops Nectar Traintis hint vs Sporting
Unusual sightings and intriguing Sunderland subplots as the Sporting match in Portugal offers more than just the score
At the Estadio Algarve on Monday night, Régis Le Bris’ team took on Sporting CP, the defending Portuguese champions, in an attempt to strengthen their unity and fitness as the new season draws near.
Our Moments Missed article gives you the little things that might have gone unnoticed before, during, and after the action, from minor off-the-ball incidents and sidelined players to behind-the-scenes looks and the mood before the game.
Here are some things you might not have noticed from Sunderland’s second preseason game of the summer, whether you watched live on stream, followed online, or caught up after the fact:
Two changes were made by Le Bris from the starting lineup against Sevilla. Harrison Jones took Niall Huggins’ place at left-back, and Blondy Nna Noukeu replaced Simon Moore in goal. Huggins reportedly exercised completely on Sunday and hasn’t seen any setbacks, although Sunderland is cautiously adjusting his workload as he recuperates from a chronic ailment.
As Sunderland continues to exercise prudence due to what has been regarded as a little overload, Anthony Patterson was once again left out of the squad. At halftime, Le Bris once again decided to substitute all ten outfield players, giving a number of inexperienced players an opportunity.
Additionally absent was Reinildo Mandava, who only recently joined the Sunderland team in Portugal after leaving Atletico Madrid. The 31-year-old participated in the Club World Cup with his old team last month, and the Sunderland staff is gradually easing him back into action following a brief hiatus.
Blondy Nna Noukeu, Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Jenson Seelt, Harrison Jones, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, and Enzo Le Fée; Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, and Eliezer Mayenda comprise Sunderland’s first-half starting lineup.
Second-half Sunderland starting lineup: Timur Tutierov, Ahmed Abdullahi (Ogunsuyi); Tom Lavery, Nectar Triantis, Zak Johnson, Jenson Jones; Patrick Roberts, Alan Browne, Dan Neil, Milan Aleksic; Blondy Nna Noukeu (Matty Young)
About twenty-five minutes into the second stanza, Ahmed Abdullahi was substituted for Trey Ogunsuyi, even though he had started the second half. The change appeared to be a pre-planned substitution rather than injury-related, with Abdullahi putting in an energetic shift leading the line. It made sense for Sunderland to limit his workload with two games in three after his injury problems from the previous season days.
Possible switch in position for a first-team candidate?
Harrison Jones, who has mostly played as a No. 8 or No. 10 in Sunderland’s Under-21 squad, was moved to left-back by Le Bris for the second consecutive game. The 20-year-old, who is renowned for his offensive instincts and poise while in control, is currently being put to the test in a more defensive role during preseason.
But Jones looked good in defense during the first half, and he also provided a choice when Sunderland attacked. Before Eliezer Mayenda’s attempt went wide, the local boy had a good connection with French midfielder Enzo Le Fée.
Kieran Richardson, Lynden Gooch, Max Power, and Luke O’Nien are just a few of the Sunderland players who have successfully converted from wingers or midfielders to full-backs over the years. Jones’ adaptability and tactical acumen might make him the newest addition to that list and guarantee him a place in Sunderland’s Premier League team for the upcoming campaign.
Concerns about Seelt and Aleksic’s injuries during the Sporting match
A worrying moment occurred in the 31st minute when a Sporting CP player fell awkwardly on Jenson Seelt, causing him to go down clutching his head. The Sunderland medical team was called upon almost away, and for a brief period of tension, supporters thought that the Dutch defender, who had just returned from a lengthy injury layoff, might suffer another setback.
Both Sunderland and Régis Le Bris supporters were relieved when Seelt was able to continue and finish the half following a thorough check. Seelt has played alongside Dan Ballard in the Black Cats’ preseason matches against South Shields, Sevilla, and Sporting thus far, but the team is looking to add another center-back during the summer transfer window.
Additionally, there was a scare in the 70th minute when Milan Aleksic went down and needed Sunderland’s physiotherapist’s assistance. It appeared like the young forward’s night could be cut short because he had only entered the game at halftime, but he was able to continue and finish the game after a brief period of evaluation.
Following Hibs’ tenure, Le Bris gives Nectar Triantis a suggestion.
Régis Le Bris may have given a clue regarding the Australian’s long-term prospects when he moved Nectar Triantis back into central defense for the second half against Sporting. After joining Sunderland as a center-back, Triantis has been on loan at Hibernian for the past 18 months, where he has excelled in midfield and received high praise in the Scottish Premiership.
However, he appeared confident at the back here, making a spectacular pass into midfield early in the second half while under pressure, which gave Alan Browne a fantastic break and half chance. In Sunderland’s final six preseason games, it will be intriguing to see whether Le Bris decides to test him in midfield.
Le Bris gave Matty Young a chance in the second half.
Matty Young, a Sunderland academy product, was brought on in the second half against Sporting CP amid persistent rumors of a possible loan back to Salford City. Nna Noukeu was replaced between the posts by the highly regarded stopper.
While his future is still being discussed behind the scenes, the England youth international earned valuable minutes. Young looked respectable in spite of the distractions, which is why a number of EFL teams are eager to sign the 18-year-old for the upcoming campaign.
In Portugal, a Newcastle United supporter was seen watching Sunderland.
As part of a strangely enduring tradition, a Newcastle United supporter strangely showed up to watch Sunderland’s friendly match against Sporting CP. To the amazement and amusement of spectators, the supporter was spotted wearing a Sporting shirt with the words “TOON ARMY” emblazoned across the back during the build-up to the game at the Estadio Algarve.
Although Black Cats supporters have seen Magpies on tour before, this one, which combines club colors with the branding of a Portuguese beverage called Super Bock, may be the most memorable. The Newcastle United supporter was swiftly denounced by Black Cats supporters, who called his appearance “embarrassing.”
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