Reinildo Mandava: Sunderland boss addresses injury fears

There has been a shadow of uncertainty on Mozambican Reinildo Mandava‘s availability for Sunderland AFC’s match on Saturday.

The former Atletico Madrid defender picked an injury during the FIFA international window when the Mambas drew two-all with Chad on Wednesday in Morocco.

The Premier League rookies have since provided an encouraging update regarding the Mozambican ahead of the away game against Fulham FC. Commenting on his squad composition for the trip to Craven Cottage, Sunderland coach Régis Le Bris addressed the issue of Mandava’s fitness concerns.

“He picked up a slight knock whilst with Mozambique, but he is fine and ready for Saturday’s fixture,” Le Bris told the club’s media.

How Mandava found himself at Sunderland

Mandava, who joined Sunderland on a two-year contract in July, launched his career with Ferroviário da Beira and GD Maputo before joining Portuguese team, S.L. Benfica in 2015.

A switch to Belenenses SAD followed three years later. The 31-year-old eventually joined LOSC Lille on a six-month loan which became permanent. He impressed in France and was named in the 2021 Ligue 1 Team of the Year. The defender signed for Atlético in 2021 after leaving Lille.

Meanwhile, Le Bris has ruled out Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra, saying he was still undergoing rehabilitation following his early-season injury.

“Rehab is going well, but we will be patient; we want him at his best in the second half of the season,” the coach added.

Sunderland is also home to the DR Congo international Noah Sadiki, who signed a long-term contract.