Bertrand Traore bemoans injuries

Sunderland FC’s Burkina Faso winger Bertrand Traoré has expressed his delight after returning from a ‘frustrating ‘ lengthy injury layoff.

The Africa Cup of Nations star returned to action for the Black Cats on Saturday during their away one-all draw with Bournemouth FC.

Ready to go again 👊 pic.twitter.com/WWUMQe78jr

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 2, 2026

Striker Eliezer Mayenda was on target for the visitors with Evanilson Barbosa responding for the hosts.

Reflecting on the match at Vitality Stadium, the Burkinabe star said he was relieved to play football again after struggling with injuries.

“It’s been a long wait for me, and I’m just happy to be back,” Traoré told Sunderland FC media. “It was a difficult period with injuries, and a lot of games close together, but I kept working hard. Now I feel ready to help the team.”

Traoré makes call to Sunderland team-mates

Now, there is no moment of respite for Sunderland as they return to action on Tuesday to face Leeds United on the road again.

Ahead of the next fixture, Traoré has called on his team-mates to build on the result against Bournemouth when facing Leeds United at Elland Road.

“We showed great fight and intensity, and we felt we deserved more. Some decisions didn’t go our way, but we can’t change that now. We have to focus on ourselves and keep improving,” he said.

“It’s good that the next game comes fast. We have to recover well and take the positives from Saturday. Elland Road is a great stadium with a big atmosphere; these are the matches you want to play in. We’ll be ready.”

Traoré windy road back to Premier League

Traoré is a familiar face in the Premier League having first signed for Aston Villa a few seasons ago before relocating to Villarreal CF in Spain in 2024.

He was on the move again to Ajam Amsterdam in Holland before he signed for Sunderland last season on a year-long contract.