Nordi Mukiele
SUN
RB (CB)
Possession Builder
Nov 1, 1997 (28)
Right
6'2"
185 lb
SunderlandRecords nine clearances
Mukiele generated one cross (one accurate) and four tackles in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Brentford.
Analysis: Mukiele produced another high-volume defensive performance, with nine clearances and four tackles won demonstrating his physical involvement throughout the contest. He has now registered at least nine clearances in consecutive Premier League appearances, making him an important presence when Sunderland are placed under pressure. His attempted clearance did fall to Vitaly Janelt for Brentford's goal, but the overall defensive workload remained substantial.
Available from bench
Mukiele (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Mukiele's recovery has been handled cautiously with the long season in mind after he missed the final friendly with a knock. He is now back in contention and could push for a starting role in the coming games, though new signing Thomas Meunier will get the nod for this game.
Available for Ipswich clash
Mukiele (undisclosed) is cleared to feature in Saturday's 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: Mukiele's recovery had been managed carefully with the long season in mind rather than any single fixture, and having missed the Rennes win with a knock, his return to full fitness now puts him back in the mix at right back. He'll nonetheless face fresh competition for the starting role after Sunderland's summer addition of Thomas Meunier, who is also cleared for the opener.
Building toward matchday return
Mukiele's back pain kept him sidelined for Saturday's 2-1 win over Rennes, but coach Regis Le Bris expects him back in contention for next Saturday's opener against Ipswich. "But Omar is in a good place. He should train next week. Nordi isn't far off either. We're hoping they can both be available for Ipswich."
Analysis: Mukiele's recovery has been handled with an eye on the long season ahead rather than any single fixture, which is why Sunderland opted to hold him out of preseason action. The right back was a regular starter last term and will look to reclaim that role once fully fit, though the club's summer signing of Thomas Meunier now adds fresh competition for the spot. Mukiele is expected to need a normal training week before manager Regis Le Bris commits to starting him against Ipswich.
Dealing with mild issue
Mukiele was excluded from his team's friendly game against Lens due a discomfort about which boss Regis Le Bris commented "Omar and Nordi have minor injuries. It's important we take care of them before the start of the season. They should be available for the beginning of the season, but we have a long campaign coming up, so it's important we take care of all of our players.", according to the club's official website.
Analysis: Mukiele will look to remain the Black Cats' starting right-back in the upcoming season assuming he completes a quick recovery from his current problem. With both attacking and defensive responsibilities, he could be a solid two-way contributor as soon as he's fully fit. However, he now faces bigger competition for the spot after the club signed Thomas Meunier from Lille.
Nets opening goal
Mukiele scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Mukiele would find the back of the net early Saturday and give his team the initial lead, scoring in the 17th minute. This is the defenders thrid goal of the season while also having three assists, solid production from a right-back. He now has two goals in his past four appearances.
Bags winner Sunday
Mukiele scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal) and six crosses (two accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Mukiele made his return to the pitch Sunday after missing the last four matches with a calf injury. He made a massive impact on the contest, scoring the lone goal of the match in the 61st minute on a heavily deflected outside-the-box strike. It marked his second goal of the season, his first since Oct. 18. He was subbed off in the 82nd minute for Chemsdine Talbi.
Available against Newcastle
Mukiele (calf) has made Sunderland's game-day squad list for Sunday's game versus Newcastle United.
Analysis: Mukiele is returning after a month out due to a muscular injury and will begin on the bench. He has helped secure two clean sheets in his last five showings, tallying 18 crosses (two accurate), eight tackles (seven won) and 13 clearances during that stretch.
Potential option Sunday
Mukiele (calf) is questionable for Sunday's match against Newcastle, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "They are working hard behind the scenes to be ready for the game. We have to make medical decisions because we still have a lot of games to play after this one, as well as an international break."
Analysis: Mukiele is working towards a return and is eyeing being an option Sunday, now a late call, who will face a fitness check ahead of match time. This is a major storyline to watch, as the club could be without multiple defenders as he tries to return from a four-game absence. That said, if fit, a starting spot could be waiting, with Lutsharel Geertruida likely to take his spot again if he remains out.
Remains out Saturday
Mukiele (calf) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Brighton as he is not yet fit enough to feature, according to coach Regis Le Bris. "This weekend will come too soon for Roefs, Mukiele and Reinildo..."
Analysis: Mukiele remains unavailable for Saturday's clash against Brighton due to a calf injury that has already forced him to miss the last three matches. The versatile defender, capable of playing both center-back and full-back, has been an important piece in the back line, so his continued absence is a significant blow for the side. He has started all 25 Premier League matches he has appeared in this season, with Lutsharel Geertruida expected to start at right-back in his place.
Looking to run next week
Mukiele (calf) is eyeing a return to grass next week and could be an option around the Brighton or Newcastle match, according to manager Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo. "Nordi will probably run next week as well. He's so close to being back with the squad. Everything is going well. He is in the bracket to be available around Brighton or Newcastle."
Analysis: Mukiele is seeing progress this week but has yet to take the training field, with the defender likely to run to begin next week. This would then warrant a return soon, needing to be boosted to team training before he is thought to be an option for either Brighton or Newcastle. He has only missed two games so far, trying to gain back another versatile option in the defense.
Sidelined 2-3 weeks
Mukiele (calf) is expected to miss two to three weeks, coach Regis Le Bris said in the press conference. "We expect them to be unavailable for two to three weeks. We need to see how they both react to treatment..."
Analysis: Mukiele is expected to miss two to three weeks due to a calf injury sustained in the last match against Fulham and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis to monitor his response to treatment. Mukiele is an undisputed starter for his side, having started the last 27 matches, and his absence is likely to be felt. Lutsharel Geertruida is expected to take on a larger role until his return.
Off after 12 minutes
Mukiele was forced off in the 12th minute of Sunday's match against Fulham due to an apparent leg injury.
Analysis: Mukiele went down just eight minutes into Sunday's match and would be taken off the field minutes later, suffering an off-ball injury that saw him clutching his leg after. That said, the immediate look doesn't seem positive for the defender, as a noncontact injury could mean a longer time out with a muscle issue. This does leave a gap in the defense, with Lutsharel Geetruida, who replaced him Sunday, a potential replacement moving forward.
Two shots in win
Mukiele registered two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Monday's 3-0 victory against Burnley.
Analysis: Mukiele took two shots and created a pair of chances during Monday's win. The defender was solid throughout the match and finally got a chance to stretch his legs offensively. For the most part his role has been more conservative in the Premier League, but against weaker opponents he's still a solid attacking full-back.
Sets up goal Saturday
Mukiele had an assist with his lone chance created while crossing five times (one accurate) and blocking a shot during Saturday's match against West Ham.
Analysis: Mukiele set up Brian Brobbey in the 66th minute while leading Sunderland in crosses and blocks as of his substitution in the 83rd minute. Mukiele has assists in back-to-back matches and has lined up at right back in three straight fixtures resulting in improved attacking output including three chances created and 14 crosses in those matches.
Assists from cross in win
Mukiele assisted once to go with seven crosses (four accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus Crystal Palace. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 63rd minute.
Analysis: Mukiele's driven cross into the box setup the first Sunderland goal Saturday in their 2-1 home victory over Crystal Palace. The defender's seven crosses (four accurate) marked a team-high for the fixture. In addition to supplying his second assist of the league campaign, Mukiele contributed three tackles (two won), two interceptions and six clearance to the defensive effort.
Six crosses Sunday
Mukiele registered six crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Mukiele recorded a season-high six crosses in Sunday's draw, including a season-high two accurate crosses. He also recorded multiple chances created for just the second time this season, giving him a productive day on the attack from his center back position. He played well on the defensive end too as he made six clearances, intercepted two passes and won one tackle as he played the full 90 minutes in his 18th consecutive match.
Strong outing on right
Mukiele generated one shot (zero on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 win against Newcastle United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 34th minute.
Analysis: Mukiele put in a strong defensive shift on the right, helping the side secure his fourth clean sheet with the club. He recorded three clearances, one block and three interceptions, extending his streak to 11 matches with at least one interception, and his cross led to the only goal of the match.
Unlucky own goal
Mukiele recorded an own goal and one cross (zero accurate) in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Mukiele thought he had done enough to get in the way of a curled Florian Wirtz shot, but in the end it found the back of the net and he was left with an own goal. Mukiele has been an excellent defender since joining Sunderland, though he's been tasked as a center-back, essentially ending any of the offensive upside from earlier in his career. Mukiele will remain a stout defender as long as he stays fit.
Three crosses Saturday
Mukiele had three crosses (zero accurate) and five tackles in Saturday's 1-0 loss against Fulham.
Analysis: Mukiele recorded three crosses in Saturday's loss, his second time this season recording three or more. He also put together a strong performance on the defensive end as he won nine duels, made seven clearances, won three tackles and intercepted two passes in his full 90 minutes of action.
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