IAN POVEDA was not considered for Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Luton Town last night because of an ‘internal disciplinary’ matter.
However, the indiscretion was a minor one and the midfielder should return to the squad for Monday night’s game with Leeds United at Elland Road.
Poveda is understood to have been late for a team get-together ahead of last night’s game at the Stadium of Light.
As a result, he was left out of the squad, having been a second-half substitute in Saturday’s home draw with Watford, but will return to first-team training ahead of the Leeds game.
“Ian wasn't available for selection,” confirmed Regis Le Bris. “Ian isn't injured. He wasn't available for selection for internal reasons. I don't have to comment on that reason. At the end he wasn't available. Hopefully, he will be able to return to Monday.”
Chris Rigg hobbled off during the second half of last night’s victory, having received treatment earlier in the game after hurting his leg during a challenge.
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However, Le Bris is confident the midfielder has not suffered anything serious, meaning he should also be okay to face Leeds.
“I think Riggy was just tired,” said the Sunderland boss. “He's okay. It was also good news to have Jenson back in the squad after a long, long injury - he was ready.”
Seelt was joined on the bench by Chris Mepham last night, with the centre-half having been left out of the starting line-up to accommodate Dan Ballard’s return to the side.
Mepham has been one of Sunderland’s most consistent players this season, having joined on a season-long loan from Bournemouth in the summer, but Le Bris was always confident the 27-year-old would understand his head coach’s desire to make a change.
“I wouldn't say it was a difficult conversation with Chris because all the players know that we have a good squad and a good team,” said Le Bris. “We have depth in different positions and for me, this is the rules of the level.
“Players need competition to push themselves and this helps the team. It is better to have three or four good central defenders to be able to perform over the course of the season. These are the conditions we want to consider.”
