Sunderland could miss 10 players for FA Cup clash vs Port Vale

Sunderland could be without as many as ten senior players when they travel to Port Vale in the FA Cup fifth round, leaving head coach Régis Le Bris with significant selection challenges despite the club’s recent momentum.

The Black Cats arrive at Vale Park after a strong 1-0 Premier League victory over Leeds United, but that result came with fresh injury concerns that have deepened an already stretched squad.

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs was ruled out before the Leeds match with a hamstring issue. Le Bris confirmed after the game that the problem is not expected to be long-term, though the Dutch goalkeeper will likely miss two to three weeks.

That timeline means Roefs is unlikely to feature in the FA Cup tie, with Melker Ellborg expected to continue in goal against Port Vale. Sunderland remain hopeful Roefs could return in time for the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United later this month.

Bertrand Traoré also suffered a setback during the Leeds victory. The winger limped off shortly after coming on as a substitute, raising fears of a recurrence of the knee injury that previously kept him out for around six weeks.

At this stage the extent of the problem is unclear, but Traoré is considered a major doubt for Sunday’s match.

Sunderland’s injury concerns extend well beyond the latest setbacks. Several players are already sidelined and are not expected to return before the FA Cup fixture.

Dennis Cirkin and Reinildo are progressing towards fitness but are targeting a return closer to the Newcastle derby. Meanwhile, Brian Brobbey and Nordi Mukiele are both recovering from groin and calf problems respectively and are unlikely to be available this weekend.

Romaine Mundle and Jocelin Ta Bi face longer recoveries after undergoing surgery earlier in the season.

The number of absentees means Le Bris could be missing up to ten senior players when factoring in suspensions.

FA Cup disciplinary rules have further complicated Sunderland’s preparations. Players who receive two yellow cards before the quarter-finals serve a one-match suspension.

Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki both collected two bookings during Sunderland’s victories over Everton and Oxford United earlier in the competition, meaning they are suspended for the Port Vale clash.

Several other players are also one caution away from suspension, including Luke O’Nien, Wilson Isidor, Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka and Dan Ballard.

Having followed Sunderland’s campaign in recent weeks, the squad’s depth has been repeatedly tested by injuries. However, it remains too early to assess the full impact these absences could have on their FA Cup ambitions.

Sunderland face Port Vale in the FA Cup fifth round, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Despite the League One side’s struggles in the league, their extra-time victory over Bristol City earlier this week highlights their potential to cause another upset.

Le Bris will likely need to rely on squad rotation and younger players to navigate the tie while managing the fitness of key figures ahead of upcoming Premier League fixtures.