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Brobbey-less Black Cats blunted - analysis
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- Brobbey-less Black Cats blunted - analysis
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Few Premier League managers will feel more antagonistic towards the extended international window than Sunderland boss Regis le Bris.
Star striker Brian Brobbey, who scored a hat-trick at Manchester City in the final league match before the break, suffered a minor hamstring injury playing in the Netherlands' draw with Germany.
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The Dutch forward, along with starting centre-back Dan Ballard and key midfielder Habib Diarra, was ruled out of this match as Le Bris' squad was left thin just before a busy period including Europa League commitments.
Without Brobbey, Sunderland struggled to create many clear chances - even while playing against 10 men for more than 30 minutes.
Their injury worries deepened here with veteran wide man Thomas Meunier forced off in the first half with a knock.
Black Cats supporters have been clamouring for Malick Fofana to start matches, but even when the Belgian winger came off the bench he was unable to sharpen a worryingly blunt frontline.
