Sunderland have improved dramatically over the last few weeks, but their improved form may come at a cost.
A report in the Daily Mail has suggested that Sunderland have become concerned about Lamine Kone and Papy Djilobodji following the pair’s recent upturn in form.
The Mail reports that both defenders are in contention to be selected by their respective countries for January’s Africa Cup of Nations after impressing for the Black Cats in recent weeks.
Sunderland’s Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone celebrate
The Mail adds that while Kone’s inclusion in the Ivory Coast team will come as no surprise – he featured in their World Cup qualifier last month – Djilobodji’s place in the Senegal team will come as slightly more of a shock given that the former Chelsea man has not played for his country for two years.
With the tournament beginning midway through January and ending in early February, David Moyes could ultimately be without the pair for several crucial games, which would be a big blow given their form and the lack of alternative options the manager has available to him.
And while Sunderland’s run of three wins in four games will have given them plenty of belief regarding their chances of staying up, Moyes may feel that the pressure is now on to pick up as many points as possible before January in preparation for the pair’s potential temporary departure.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
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