Sunderland boss reveals Xhaka priority ahead of Albion clash

Brighton and Hove Albion FC Football Sport

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris hinted Granit Xhaka was being saved for Premier League action against Albion as his side suffered FA Cup humiliation.

The Black Cats were dumped out 1-0 at League One’s bottom club Port Vale, who defied a gap in status of 57 places to win the fifth-round tie in the Potteries.

They must now regroup ahead of Albion’s visit to the Stadium Of Light in the Premier League on Saturday.

Sunderland players look dejected as they leave the pitch (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Le Bris only made two changes to the XI who beat Leeds 1-0 on Tuesday, both of them enforced, as Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi came in for Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki, who were suspended.

Key midfielder Xhaka, who has had ankle issues, was again on the bench and only joined the action for the closing stages, having no impact as Vale preserved their precious advantage.

Le Bris said: “We need to manage his load. The Premier League is the first objective, 100%.

"I think the team is better with him but we had three games in a week.

"It was really important to manage his load. We didn't take the risk until at the end, because we know that he can change just a bit the dynamic. But for the future of Sunderland, we need Granit in good shape."

Port Vale's George Hall is brought down by Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Former Ajax centre-forward Brian Brobbey was ruled out along with goalkeeper Robin Roefs (hamstring).

Roefs looks set to miss out again against the Seagulls and his deputy Melker Ellborg was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off at Vale Park.

But there are high hopes that Brobbey will return to availability for the Albion game along with left-back Reinildo (knee), versatile defender Nordi Mukiele (calf muscle) and Dennis Cirkin (hamstring).

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With Prem status secured following promotion last season, Sunderland might have been fancied to give the cup a good go.

But they offered little reaction after going behind to a 28th-minute header by boyhood Newcastle fan Ben Waine.

Ex-Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips told TNT Sports: “It looked like Port Vale wanted it more

“They dealt with the conditions better because they have played on this pitch regularly but I can’t use that as an excuse.”