Romaine Mundle should make his return to the Sunderland squad on Tuesday night against Coventry City, while the game is likely to come too quickly for Ajibola Alese, according to Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland has had their fair share of injury issues this season, to say the least. Across the pitch, they’ve had to put together squads and still managed to produce good results.
They need another solid performance in midweek against Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues, who will be looking to reverse their 2-1 home defeat to the Black Cats. To prevent Sunderland from returning to Wembley for the Championship play-off final, they must defeat them at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland hit with mixed injury news ahead of Coventry second leg
Both teams were well-equipped when they met in the first leg on Friday evening, but Le Bris is hoping to have Mundle, one of his main offensive threats, back for Tuesday night. Mundle has been out for over a month owing a hamstring injury.
Sunderland are unlikely to be as fortunate with Alese, who is still recovering from a broken leg. He was officially ruled out till the end of the season, but there is a chance he could return for the final if his team makes it.
“We should have Romaine available tomorrow,” stated Le Bris in his pre-match press conference. “It’s probably too soon for Aji.”
The manager also praised the travelling fans for their efforts at the CBS Arena in assisting his compactly set-up side to a crucial victory. It was Sunderland’s first away win at Coventry in 40 years.
| Coventry City vs Sunderland (09/05/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coventry City | 1-2 | Sunderland |
| 74% | Possession | 26% |
| 3 | Shots on target | 3 |
| 1 | Big chances | 2 |
| 1.7 | xG | 1.46 |
| 1 | Saves made | 2 |
| Source: Sofascore | ||
“We sensed their backing throughout the match in Coventry. We know it will be much better next night. We need their support. “The atmosphere can make a big difference.”
Romaine Mundle will provide Regis Le Bris with a key rotation option
If Sunderland adopts a similar tactical approach at home as they did away, which they may or may not do, Mundle’s chances of making an impact in this semi-final will grow significantly.
They came up with the concept of catching Coventry on the break. They were sturdy at the back and quick to move forward. Against tired legs, Mundle, even if only for the final 10 minutes of the 90 – assuming the game does not go to extra time – will be able to use his speed and agility to drive his team up the pitch, whether to try to score or defend their lead.
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