Meunier (hamstring) will not be available for Thursday's Europa League match at SCU Torreense, though coach Regis Le Bris said the injury is not a major one and he will be assessed day by day, per The Sunderland Echo. "We'll have to wait a little bit. It's not a major injury and he'll be assessed day by day."
Analysis:Meunier was replaced by Malick Fofana in the 34th minute of Saturday's 2-0 loss to Brighton due to hamstring injury, and the problem rules him out of Sunderland's first away European fixture against Torreense. coach Regis Le Bris described it as a minor injury, so the absence is expected to be short, with his availability against Bournemouth depending on how he responds in the coming days. He has been deployed on the right side of the attack in recent matches, so his absence would force a change in the lineup if he misses. Malick Fofana replaced him and could be inserted into the starting lineup, while Trai Hume is another likely option to advance from right back and fill Meunier's place. If Hume moves up, Omar Alderete could be the new addition to the side.
