Players must step up for Xhaka, says boss

SUNDERLAND boss Regis Le Bris hopes other players can split leadership responsibilities in Granit Xhaka's absence.

- CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

The Black Cats captain has been an influential presence but is expected to be sidelined for a further three weeks due to an ankle problem and Le Bris hopes other players can grow into leadership roles.

And as the Black Cats prepared for tonight's Premier League game with Burnley, the Sunderland boss continued: "Midfielders are really important because they can influence the high press and both triangles, in and out of possession.

"Noah (Sadiki), Enzo (Le Fee), Habib (Diarra) now will be involved in that topic.