Sunderland injury victim is back in contention for place against Plymouth at weekend
IAN POVEDA could feature in the squad for Sunderland’s weekend game with Plymouth Argyle, but Jenson Seelt will need at least another two or three weeks before he is considered for senior selection.
Both Poveda and Seelt were involved with the Under-21s in last night’s Premier League International Cup victory over Benfica at the Stadium of Light, with the former scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 win as he played for the opening 45 minutes and the latter also being replaced at half-time.
Poveda has suffered an injury-hit start to his Black Cats career since joining as a free agent in the summer, but the winger’s problems have all been relatively minor and he is in contention for a place in the squad at the weekend.
Seelt, on the other hand, has been sidelined for ten months with a cruciate-ligament injury, and Le Bris is determined not to rush the Dutchman back into senior action before he is ready.
“Jenson will need some time to get back up to full speed,” admitted the Black Cats boss. “Ian will also need more minutes, although it is a little bit easier for a midfielder or a forward to be involved in the team after the come back from injury because we can change in these positions and they can play 15 or 20 minutes at the end of the game.
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“It is easier for them to get back involved. For a defender, it is more difficult because of the flow of the game. So, we will see what happens.
“They both need minutes, for sure. The training sessions are one part, but minutes for the first team or Under-21s are another. Ian could be part of the squad this weekend though. He is in a position where he could be available – we will see what happens.”
While Le Bris has seen Poveda in senior action, with the Colombian having made three Championship substitute appearances this term, he is yet to see Seelt within the first-team set-up.
The 21-year-old was showing extremely promising signs prior to suffering his serious injury, and Le Bris feels he has all the attributes you would want in a young centre-half.
“At the moment, it is difficult to be clear about Jenson’s level,” he said. “But he has many good attributes for a centre-back. He is tall, he can be quick, but he probably needs time to find his best shape.
“After a long injury like that, it takes time, and his body has also changed during his time not playing. He has become more physically mature.
“He is really good with the ball, now it is just a case of getting more experience on the pitch. He will have more games with the Under-21s, and they should be very useful, and then after that we will see what happens with him.”
