Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris knows that surviving — and thriving — in the Premier League will require every ounce of depth and adaptability his squad can offer. The Frenchman’s first top-flight campaign with the Black Cats is proving to be a true test of endurance, and the strain is already beginning to show.

Fortunately, Le Bris has built a well-rounded team capable of rotation when the schedule becomes relentless. Brian Brobbey, a high-profile summer arrival, has yet to cement his place in the starting XI as Wilson Isidor continues to lead the line, but the Dutch forward is waiting patiently for his moment to shine.

However, injuries have complicated matters. With Habib Diarra sidelined by a serious knock and Noah Sadiki now expected to miss time after picking up an issue in midfield, Le Bris is being forced to dig deeper into his squad. Even without these setbacks, he had already planned to rotate to maintain freshness — a plan that could open the door for a few forgotten figures.

One such player is Luke O’Nien, a long-serving fan favourite who has found himself slipping down the pecking order.

O’Nien’s Reduced Role at Sunderland

For years, O’Nien has epitomised Sunderland’s spirit and resilience. Since joining the club, the 30-year-old has amassed over 300 appearances, helping lift the Black Cats from League One back to the Premier League. His all-action style and never-say-die attitude made him indispensable during their Championship campaign last season, where he featured 49 times, winning nearly four duels per match and throwing himself into every challenge.

But this season has been a different story. Sunderland’s summer overhaul has seen Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete establish themselves as first-choice defenders, forming a backline that has conceded just six goals in the league so far. O’Nien, by contrast, has been reduced to a squad role — a harsh reality for a player who has given everything to the club.

With his contract running until 2027, there’s still time for him to fight his way back, but he faces an uphill battle to regain a regular starting place.

Dan Neil’s Uncertain Future

O’Nien isn’t the only one facing uncertainty. Dan Neil, once tipped as a future Sunderland captain and cornerstone of the midfield, has also seen his opportunities dry up under Le Bris. The 23-year-old — born in South Shields and a proud product of the club’s academy — was instrumental in last season’s promotion campaign, making 48 appearances and even wearing the armband.

Young teammates, including Harrison Jones, have spoken glowingly of Neil’s leadership, calling him a “proper leader” both on and off the pitch. Yet despite his past importance, he has played just one minute of Premier League football this term.

Sadiki’s injury, however, could offer Neil a route back into contention. His physicality and combative nature make him a natural replacement in central midfield, and Le Bris may look to him to fill the void. Should he impress — as he did with that thunderous strike against Middlesbrough last season — he could yet revive his Sunderland career.

But if Neil remains on the fringes, his time at the Stadium of Light could soon come to an end. With his contract expiring next June, Sunderland may be forced to decide whether to cash in during January or risk losing another homegrown talent for free in the summer.

As the season unfolds, both Neil and O’Nien represent the emotional heart of Sunderland’s recent rise — but under Le Bris, sentiment may not be enough to secure survival. The Premier League demands evolution, and Sunderland’s long-serving heroes could soon find themselves fighting to prove they still belong.