Thomas Meunier
Right Winger
Right Back
Half-Space Orchestrator
Sep 12, 1991 (35)
Right
6'3"
172 lb
Remains sidelined with hamstring injury
Meunier (hamstring) has been ruled out of Sunday's Premier League clash against Leeds United as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Meunier remains unavailable for Sunday's encounter against Leeds after failing to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained during Sunderland's defeat to Brighton. The Belgian defender recently resumed individual training on the grass but has yet to return to full team sessions, preventing him from making his comeback. Hume retains his place in the starting XI at right-back after covering for Meunier during his absence. Although Meunier has made progress in his rehabilitation, his return timeline remains uncertain until he resumes full training.
Questionnable against Leeds
Meunier (hamstring) remains a major doubt for Sunday's Premier League clash against Leeds United despite resuming individual training earlier this week, according to Chris Fryatt of the Sunderland Echo.
Analysis: Meunier continues recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during Sunderland's defeat to Brighton, which has kept him sidelined for the club's recent fixtures. The Belgian defender recently resumed individual exercises on the grass, marking an encouraging step in his rehabilitation, but he has yet to return to full team training. He was already considered a major doubt for Thursday's Europa League encounter against Lech Poznan, and his availability for Sunday's matchup against Leeds remains highly uncertain. Although coach Regis Le Bris previously suggested that Meunier was progressing well, there has been no indication that he is ready to resume competitive action. Trai Hume has been filling in at right-back during his absence and should remain the leading candidate to start against Leeds if Meunier fails to recover in time. No definitive return date has been established, although his recent progress suggests he is moving closer to regaining full fitness.
Limited to individual work Wednesday
Meunier (hamstring) was limited to individual work in Wednesday's training session and is a major doubt for Thursday's Europa League match at Lech Poznan, according to coach Regis Le Bris per the Sunderland Echo. "We still have Thomas and Wilson and they are in a good place, we'll see if they can be ready soon."
Analysis: Meunier is still working on his own in training and is a major doubt for Thursday's match at Lech Poznan. His availability for Leeds United on Sunday will depend on whether he can rejoin the full group in the coming days. Trai Hume took his place in Saturday's 2-0 loss at Bournemouth and is expected to keep it if Meunier misses out.
Ruled out against Bournemouth
Meunier (hamstring) will miss Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth after failing to recover from the injury he sustained against Brighton, according to coach Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo. "For Thomas, it's a no, definitive at the minute."
Analysis: Meunier suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Brighton, forcing him off in the 34th minute before he subsequently missed Thursday's Europa League victory over SCU Torreense. Although manager Le Bris previously indicated that the injury was not considered serious, the Belgian remains unavailable for Sunday's matchup against Bournemouth, extending his absence to a second consecutive match. Meunier has recently been deployed on the right side of Sunderland's attack, meaning his continued absence could create additional opportunities for Malick Fofana, who replaced him against Brighton, although Trai Hume could also be pushed into a more advanced role. With no definitive return date established, Meunier's availability beyond Sunday will depend on his recovery progress.
Will be assessed day by day
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.
Forced off against Brighton
Meunier was forced off with an injury during the first half of Saturday's Premier League match against Brighton after receiving medical attention.
Analysis: Meunier's status is uncertain pending an assessment after he was withdrawn in the first half. He has been deployed on the right side of the front line in recent matches and has five Premier League appearances this season. Malick Fofana replaced him and could step into that role if Meunier is unavailable, with Chemsdine Talbi as another option..
First Black Cat goal contribution
Meunier assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 5-3 loss against Manchester City.
Analysis: Muenier would help Sunderland to one of their goals Sunday, with the wing-back finding Brian Brobbey in the 33rd minute of the loss. This is his first goal contribution since joining the club, coming after five appearances (five starts). He continues to see more of an attacking role with his new club, although he still contributed to the defense with two tackles and two clearances against City.
Active in attack
Meunier had three shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Analysis: Meunier operated on the right side of midfield rather than in his usual defensive role, giving him more freedom to push forward against Arsenal. He produced three shots, including one on target, before being withdrawn after 76 minutes, though he attempted just one cross. The more advanced role increased his involvement around the final third and could provide additional attacking upside if Sunderland continues to deploy him in midfield.
Threatens from right-back
Meunier registered one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Meunier came close to opening the scoring when his only attempt was cleared off the goal line, highlighting his willingness to advance from right-back when Sunderland were on top during the first half. He has started all three Premier League fixtures to begin the season, and his ability to make forward runs provides additional width and an attacking presence from the defensive line.
Single shot Sunday
Meunier registered one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 win against Fulham.
Analysis: Meunier took one shot and created one chance during Sunday's win. The defender played a big part stretching the midfield and was consistently threatening throughout. Meunier should be a big contributor, especially against teams that can't keep him pinned back.
Two shots in loss
Meunier generated two shots (one on goal) and four crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Meunier got the start to open the campaign and sent in a pair of shots and four crosses throughout the match. He wasn't particularly threatening with any of that volume and he failed to really make much of his chances. He will hope to be more efficient as a key part of the attack in the coming weeks.
Starts in debut
Meunier (back) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Ipswich Town, making his Sunderland debut.
Analysis: Meunier has been dealing with back pain since joining Sunderland on a free transfer from Lille this summer and did not feature during preseason. He is now fit enough to make his debut from the start and will compete with Nordi Mukiele for the starting right-back role this season.
Cleared for season opener
Meunier is available for Saturday's season opener against Ipswich, according to coach Regis Le Bris. "He is available. Nordi and Omar are also okay. Adingra is the only one who will miss out."
Analysis: Meunier's fitness had been in question after he missed the win over Rennes with back pain, an issue that emerged early in his time at Sunderland following his free transfer from Lille this summer. His clearance now settles that uncertainty and puts him in contention to make his competitive debut for the club right from the opener.
Doubtful for Ipswich opener
Meunier's availability for next Saturday's season opener against Ipswich is uncertain after he missed Saturday's 2-1 win over Rennes with back pain, according to coach Regis Le Bris. "Thomas has a knock - we don't know the full extent at the moment"
Analysis: Meunier's setback comes with the extent of the issue still undetermined, leaving his participation in next week's training sessions in question. The right back joined Sunderland as a free agent this summer after his spell at Lille, and this is the first fitness concern to emerge early in his time with the club. Meunier is expected to be given until close to kickoff to prove his fitness before a final call is made. Trai Hume could start at right-back if he is absent, with Nordi Mukiele another option if he is fit enough to start.
Misses final friendly with minor injury
Meunier (undisclosed) misses Saturday's final friendly against Rennes with a minor injury sustained in training, according to the club.
Analysis: Meunier made 25 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season, contributing one goal and two assists, before joining Sunderland as a free agent this summer following Belgium's quarterfinal exit at the World Cup. This minor setback is worth monitoring so soon after his arrival, and his path back to full training will be worth tracking as he prepares to begin his fifth different league with his new club at right back.
Ready for new season
Meunier is now with Sunderland's squad at the Academy of Light, following his summer commitments with Belgium at the World Cup, according to the club.
Analysis: Meunier made 25 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season, contributing one goal and two assists, before joining Sunderland as a free agent this summer following Belgium's quarterfinal exit at the World Cup, a tournament in which he contributed one assist in three appearances. His return to the group now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he begins his fifth different league with a new club at right back.
To link up after tour
Meunier is set to join Sunderland's squad later in preseason rather than travel to the United States, following his deep run at the World Cup, the club announced.
Analysis: The defender's international commitments mean he will miss the entirety of the club's stateside trip, which includes matches against Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham. His arrival is expected once the rest of the group returns from the United States. Meunier is expected to begin working individually before being reintegrated into full team training.
Signs with Sunderland
Meunier signed a two year deal with Sunderland after his contract with Lille expired, the club announced.
Analysis: Meunier arrives with more than 550 career club appearances and 83 caps for Belgium, whom he represented at this summer's World Cup. The right back won the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup at Club Brugge before a trophy laden four year spell at Paris Saint-Germain that included three domestic doubles, followed by a move to Borussia Dortmund and later stints at Trabzonspor and Lille. Director of football Florent Ghisolfi praised his experience, leadership and quality in both defensive and attacking phases. Meunier is expected to link up with the Sunderland squad in early August ahead of the club's return to Premier League and European competition.
Unused in final two World Cup games
Meunier made three appearances at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Meunier would not see the field in the final two games of what could be his final World Cup match, as the defender went unused against the USA and Spain. He would start in two of his three appearances, earning an assist from the bench in the round of 32, potentially ending his World Cup career on a good note. That said, he is now 34 and is likely to retire from international play before 2030.
Set for free agency
Meunier has left Lille after his contract with the club expired.
Analysis: Meunier made 25 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season, contributing one goal and two assists across 1,910 minutes, and signed for the club in 2024 following spells at Trabzonspor, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint Germain. The 34 year old right back, currently representing the Belgium's national team at the 2026 World Cup, now becomes a free agent as he looks for his next destination this summer.
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