"Isn't injured" - Glaring Sunderland AFC absence from Luton Town win addressed by Regis Le Bris | OneFootball

The new Black Cats arrival was left out of the matchday squad for the 2-0 win

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has revealed that winger Ian Poveda was dropped from the matchday squad against Luton Town this week due to internal matters at the club.

The 25-year-old was unexpectedly absent from the entire matchday squad for the Black Cats’ 2-0 success over the Hatters on Wednesday night.

Poveda arrived at the Stadium of Light on a free transfer from fellow Championship side Leeds United, but has had a tough start to life on Wearside due to injuries.

Along with explaining the omission, Le Bris also revealed when the former Colombia international may return to the matchday squad.

Speaking after the Luton game, Le Bris said on the winger: “Ian wasn't available for selection.

“Ian isn't injured. He wasn't available for selection for internal reasons. I don't have to comment on that reason.

“At the end he wasn't available. Hopefully he will be able to return to Monday.”

The Sunderland Echo reported that whilst the issue is not thought to be a major one, the Northern Echo added that it is believed Poveda was late for a “team get-together” ahead of the game, which led to him being dropped.

Sunderland take on Poveda's former club Leeds on Monday, with both sides in the running for promotion to the Premier League.

The omission made room in the squad for Jenson Seelt, who has been out with a knee injury since last March.

“It was good news for Jenson because after a long, long injury - he was ready,” Le Bris added.

Ian Poveda being dropped is a setback for the Colombian attacker

Whatever has driven the Poveda absence, it does come as a setback for his Sunderland career.

The summer signing had made two consecutive substitute appearances in the previous two games, after being away from the squad since October before that with a thigh injury.

Poveda is yet to make a Championship start for the Black Cats, and while he obviously couldn’t have prevented the injury that kept him out, it doesn’t help to have to deal with avoidable issues like this just as he was building up a run of appearances.

Given that Le Bris is suggesting he might be available for Monday, Poveda must get his head down and get back on the right side of the manager, so he can start making a proper impression on the first team.

Ian Poveda needs Sunderland AFC move to go well so that his career is resurrected

Although Sunderland have given Poveda the security of a three-year contract, with the option of an additional year, the winger still needs to prove himself.

He’s had Championship stints with Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday before this move, and has never registered more than two goals or assists in a season.

Wingers trade off goal involvements and, now 25, Poveda’s reputation from the Man City academy will only take him so far.

If his time at Sunderland doesn’t go well, questions about whether he’s suited to the level will become difficult to answer, and he may find himself in search of football further down the pyramid.

There is an obvious talent there with Poveda. Having got over his injury issue, he now needs to ensure he isn’t giving Le Bris any unnecessary reasons to keep him sidelined.