Sunderland coach Regis Le Bris disclosed that Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba were absent from the Black Cats’ lineup in their victorious match against Portsmouth due to the possibility of their departure on transfer Deadline Day. Le Bris opted to keep them at home as the window neared its end, hinting at potential exits for the duo.
Although it seemed Aouchiche was on the verge of leaving after just a season with the club, and rumors swirled about Ba’s potential departure to France, both players remained at Sunderland as transfer deals failed to materialize.
Despite their absence, Le Bris hinted that the door was not closed for their return to the team, emphasizing the upcoming months before the next transfer window as a window of opportunity for them.
The coach’s focus remained on the team’s victorious streak, now reaching four wins in the Championship, emphasizing that both players could still play a role in the squad following their absence at Portsmouth.
A strong summer recruitment drive strengthened Sunderland’s squad, with notable additions such as Milan Aleksic, Salis Abdul Samed, and Alan Browne adding depth to their midfield options. The attacking lineup was also bolstered, with talents like Wilson Isidor and Ian Poveda complementing existing stars Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle.
The emergence of teenage striker Eliezer Mayenda as a goal-scoring threat was a positive sign for Sunderland, addressing their need for a prolific number nine.
The duo faces a challenging path to reclaim their spots in the starting lineup, given the solid team dynamic Sunderland has cultivated. With a growing roster of talented players, Ba and Aouchiche find themselves on the outskirts. Cup competitions often serve as a platform for showcasing skills, but with Sunderland out of the Carabao Cup, the road ahead looks lengthy. Barring a turnaround in fortunes post-international break, their chances to shine remain slim. The upcoming FA Cup in January offers a possible route for redemption, as they bide their time for a shot to make a mark.