Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed that teenage midfielder Chris Rigg and defender Dan Ballard are set to return to the squad for their Wednesday night trip to Preston North End having recovered from their respective injuries.
Rigg missed the goalless draw at Queens Park Rangers last Saturday with a chest issue, but Le Bris says the 17-year-old is “okay” and added Ballard should also be available after missing seven games with an ankle problem.
However, with goalkeeper Anthony Patterson still an injury doubt and midfielder Jobe Bellingham suspended after being red carded at Loftus Road, Le Bris has been speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle about how squad rotation will begin to play its part.
“I am confident with the options we have. We will have to create something new, but, with the culture we have now, it’s not a problem,” he said.
“We will have to adjust, to manage probably the first, the second, and the third game to find the right balance, but that’s life.
“We can’t think we can play with 11 or 12 players the whole season; it’s just normal.”
While fans may see some changes in the starting lineup, the Frenchman has confirmed the team’s formation will remain the same.
“We built a system with strong foundations, and I don’t want to change the structure.”
