Sunderland star ruled out of Etihad Stadium derby after being run over by a roller during training.
Sunderland have been handed a dramatic setback ahead of their huge Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with a key player Enzo Le Fée ruled out after a bizarre training-ground accident involving a pitch roller.
The incident, presented here as a fictional scenario, occurred during Sunderland’s final preparations for the trip to Manchester.
According to the fictional account, the player was involved in a routine warm-up session when a grounds-maintenance roller unexpectedly moved into his path.
The player was knocked to the ground before members of Sunderland’s coaching and medical staff immediately rushed over to provide assistance.
The unusual incident brought the fictional training session to an immediate halt as concerned teammates gathered around while the medical team assessed the situation.
Sunderland would subsequently confirm, within this fictional scenario, that the player would not be available for the Manchester City match.
The bizarre accident would represent a particularly frustrating blow given the timing, with Régis Le Bris already having selection issues to deal with ahead of the Etihad trip.
In reality, Sunderland do have confirmed selection concerns for the match. Reinildo Mandava is suspended, while Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle have been dealing with injuries, and Omar Alderete has been reported as a doubt.
That means Le Bris already has important decisions to make before his side faces one of the strongest teams in the Premier League.
The fictional roller incident would only add another extraordinary twist to the build-up.
For Sunderland supporters, the thought of losing another important player just hours before facing Manchester City would naturally create huge concern.
The Etihad Stadium is already one of the toughest places to visit, and Sunderland will need as many of their available players as possible if they are to challenge Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Black Cats arrive with confidence after their impressive Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar, but today’s fixture represents another completely different test.
Manchester City will have home advantage, while Sunderland will be hoping their recent momentum can help them produce another memorable performance.
In this fictional scenario, the training-ground accident would leave Le Bris facing one final selection headache before kick-off.
The manager would now have to decide whether to bring in a direct replacement or change his tactical approach.
For Sunderland, the priority would remain the same — put the bizarre disruption behind them and concentrate fully on the challenge waiting at the Etihad.
Note: The pitch-roller incident in this version is fictional and should not be published as a confirmed Sunderland news report.