Régis Le Bris says Nilson Angulo is ready for Liverpool clash

Régis Le Bris has hinted that new signing Nilson Angulo is ready for a bigger role ahead of Sunderland’s clash with Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.

Angulo made his debut from the bench against Arsenal just days after completing a £15 million move from Anderlecht on transfer deadline day. Now, with Liverpool visiting Wearside on Wednesday night, the Sunderland head coach has suggested the Ecuador international is firmly in contention.

When asked whether Angulo was prepared to start, Le Bris stopped short of revealing his team selection but delivered a clear message.

“He’s ready to play,” he said. “He’s played a lot of football this year at a good level. He’s ready.”

Angulo arrives with significant experience for a winger of his age, having featured regularly in European competition. His versatility has also caught Le Bris’ attention.

“He has good experience in European football. He’s played as a winger and a wing-back. He’s really involved and versatile in offensive and defensive tasks. That’s good for us,” Le Bris added.

Sunderland’s philosophy, the manager stressed, is not to wait for perfect timing.

“Sunderland is built like that. We are ready to give opportunities to players even if they are not supposed to be ready. At the minute he’s in a good place.”

Having followed Sunderland’s recruitment approach closely this season, that readiness to accelerate integration has been a consistent theme under Le Bris.

Beyond Liverpool, Sunderland travel to Oxford United on Sunday in the fourth round of the FA Cup. That fixture may present another platform for Angulo to build rhythm.

Unlike some January arrivals who require a prolonged adaptation period, Angulo’s tactical familiarity and match fitness reduce the need for cautious management. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about how quickly he can influence key fixtures.

Le Bris also addressed the scale of the challenge against Liverpool, who are seeking consistency after an uneven spell.

Sunderland drew 1-1 at Anfield earlier in the season and were close to claiming all three points. Le Bris believes the opposition have since strengthened.

“Yeah, they were probably a bit low in energy at that moment,” he said. “We played well away, it was a good game. We had the opportunity to win.

“I think they are getting better and they are strong. They have a few injuries, but the manager is really good. They are Liverpool and it’s a must-win for them once again. So it will be a tough challenge.”

For Sunderland, the fixture represents both opportunity and examination. Angulo’s potential involvement adds further intrigue.

Sunderland will look to build on recent momentum as they face Liverpool at home, followed by an FA Cup tie against Oxford United. Angulo’s integration will be closely monitored, particularly if he earns a start in either fixture.

For Le Bris, balancing ambition with stability will be key as Sunderland navigate a demanding run of matches.

Should Angulo start against Liverpool, or be eased in more gradually?