Regis Le Bris expects the Sunderland defender to miss the whole season

Regis Le Bris has essentially ruled Niall Huggins out for the rest of the season but has welcomed the former Leeds man to sign a new deal.

Huggins has endured an injury-ravaged time since joining Sunderland in the summer of 2021, although he finally secured a longer run with the side last season.

Unfortunately, that run came to an abrupt end with a serious knee problem in December, and the club have been reluctant to put a return date on him since then, which is always an indication of the severity of a injury

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Huggins had been expected to return at some point this season, and those hopes were boosted when the fullback signed a contract extension this week.

However, Le Bris has not suggested that Huggins not returning this season is probably the most realistic outcome.

Speaking about Huggins’ new contract, Le Bris said: “It’s very important to feel the confidence of the club,” he said.

“He is a talented player who did very well last season but had a big injury.

“We are still confident that he will be back with us. I don’t know if it will be possible at the end of this season, maybe, we will see, but next season and that is a sign of our confidence.

“We don’t know for sure (when he will return) because it’s a big injury and it’s not easy to assess, especially the last stages of rehabilitation.”

There was more encouraging news regarding long-term injury partner Jenson Seelt, with the Dutchman edging closer to a return to action.

“I could be ready for January,” Le Bris told reporters. “He will train with the team and then we will see. He will need time with the under-21s and we will see his progression.”