Four positives and two negatives for Regis Le Bris after the international break

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Regis Le Bris will have plenty to be positive about at Sunderland as the October international break comes to an end.

The Black Cats suffered a 2-0 loss away at Manchester United heading into the break, but the supporters will undoubtedly be pleased with their side’s start to the season.

Sunderland’s new signings have hit the ground running in the Premier League as the new-look side continues to defy expectations.

And with a clash against bottom-of-the-table Wolves up next when club football resumes, Le Bris will be confident about his chances of returning to winning ways at the Stadium of Light.

While the latest round of international fixtures has been largely positive, with Bertrand Traore thriving in a new role, there have been some negatives. Sunderland are likely to miss key personnel for their next match.

Positive: Granit Xhaka continues his scintillating form

Granit Xhaka has emerged as one of Le Bris’ key players at the start of the season, as the midfielder has rolled back the years in the Premier League.

Swiss media raved about Xhaka following his display in the 2-0 win against Sweden, and he also played a leading role in the 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Monday.

The 33-year-old has brought his nation to the brink of World Cup qualification as Switzerland remain unbeaten at the top of Group B.

Positive: Simon Adingra helps Ivory Coast qualify for World Cup

Simon Adingra returned to the starting line-up at Old Trafford but has yet to build on his debut assist during the 3-0 win against West Ham United on the opening day.

The forward recorded a goal and an assist in a crushing 7-0 win against Seychelles before helping Ivory Coast secure a 3-0 win over Kenya to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.

With Arthur Masuaku set to compete in the playoffs with DR Congo during the November international break, Adingra can focus on rediscovering his best form at the Stadium of Light.

Positive: Dan Ballard dominates against Germany

Although Northern Ireland suffered a 1-0 loss against Germany on Monday, Dan Ballard produced a sensational display.

Several Premier League clubs wanted Ballard, and it is clear to see why, as he won more duels than any other player on the pitch, starting alongside Sunderland teammate Trai Hume, who also gave a good account of himself on the night.

The Black Cats’ defensive stability has been a key factor in their success this season, and Ballard’s international form gives supporters hope that this will continue after the international break.

Positive: Eliezer Mayenda scores his first international goal

Eliezer Mayenda has endured a slow start to the season with strike partner Wilson Isidor dominating the headlines throughout the opening weeks of the campaign.

Despite opening his account against West Ham, Mayenda has since lost his place in the starting line-up to Isidor, but there are signs he could be on the cusp of returning to his best form after opening his international account.

The 20-year-old scored a 90th-minute equaliser in a last-gasp 2-1 win for Spain Under-21s against Finland and will be returning to Wearside full of confidence and ready to compete for a starting berth.

Negative: Omar Alderete set to miss Wolves clash

Omar Alderete dazzled against Nottingham Forest as he scored the only goal of the game to secure a crucial 1-0 win at the City Ground.

However, the centre-back was forced off the pitch via injury during Paraguay’s 2-0 loss against South Korea, and now Sunderland have been told the extent of the latest setback.

Paraguayan outlet Monumental have confirmed Alderete suffered a thigh injury and is likely to miss the clash on Saturday, in what will be a crucial blow for Le Bris.

Negative: Noah Sadiki returns to Sunderland after injury

Another Black Cats star to pick up a knock during the international break is Noah Sadiki, who suffered an ankle sprain and was dismissed from international duty by DR Congo.

While the extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, Sadiki is expected to miss the match against Wolves and could be set for a considerable spell on the sidelines.

The 20-year-old has started all seven league matches for Sunderland this season, and with Habib Diarra also nursing a long-term injury, Le Bris will be without two of his main midfield options, but could now offer an opportunity to Chris Rigg.