AFCON call-ups force Six (6) Sunderland youth injections,Régis Le Bris confirms vs Brighton clash

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has confirmed that a pair of young academy players are set to be involved in the senior squad as the club copes with a number of key absences caused by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to begin later this month in Morocco, Premier League clubs are bracing for the loss of several stars to international duty. Sunderland are among the worst-affected, with six of their players set to depart for the tournament, including Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso), Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki (both DR Congo), Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco) and midfield duo Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique) and Habib Diarra (Senegal). Collectively, those players have contributed thousands of Premier League minutes this season more than any other club’s contingent headed to AFCON  leaving a significant gap in Sunderland’s matchday squad. 

Le Bris confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton that Sunderland will dip into their youth ranks to help bridge that gap. The manager has reiterated his belief in the club’s young talent and willingness to give academy graduates a chance when senior regulars are absent.

“We’ve had to adapt,” Le Bris said. “When some of our key players are away with their national teams, that opens the door for talented youngsters who have worked hard in our Academy of Light. It’s a chance for them to show what they can do at this level.”  He added we have list of amazing players that will make their senior amidst this afcon call-up”.

• Finn Geragusian
• Jaydon Jones
• Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi
• Matty Young
• Luke Bell
• Tom Lavery

He said:”they will be make their senior debut in amidst of the international duty of our players” He added “the club’s youth development pathway has produced promising prospects in recent seasons. Players such as Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi have featured in senior squads before, including making his first-team debut earlier this year in the FA Cup at Stoke City. “

Sunderland’s broader AFCON predicament highlights the often-overlooked challenge for Premier League sides during major international tournaments. As clubs prepare to compete across domestic and cup competitions, losing multiple starters can disrupt tactical continuity and squad balance. Managers across the division have acknowledged the necessity of adapting to these mid-season absences. 

Midfielder Habib Diarra represents a slightly different case. Despite being called up by Senegal, the 21-year-old has remained with Sunderland while completing his recovery from a groin injury and could feature against Brighton before joining his national team in Morocco next week, Le Bris added. 

The trip to the Amex Stadium also presents an opportunity for another senior player Simon Adingra  who was surprisingly left out of Ivory Coast’s AFCON squad. The winger joined Sunderland from Brighton in the summer and is expected to start on the south coast, offering a valuable option in an otherwise thinned-out attacking group. 

Sunderland’s ability to adapt during this period of enforced absences will be crucial as they aim to maintain their strong start in the Premier League. Le Bris’ willingness to hand youth players their first-team chance not only reflects the squad’s current needs but also underscores the strength of development at the club’s Academy of Light.

With several starters away and young talent stepping up, all eyes will be on Saturday’s showdown with Brighton to see how Sunderland balance experience, emerging prospects, and resilience in what promises to be a testing fixture.