Xavi sees Brobbey fit to return for Sunderland against Leeds

Xavi Hernández was sitting in the stands on Sunday at the 1-1 draw between PSV and Feyenoord, but at the final whistle the Dutch national team coach got good news: Brian Brobbey is fully fit and will make his comeback on Sunday for Sunderland AFC against Leeds United.

Injury history and recovery

Brobbey was injured in his very first international under Xavi against Germany, a match that also ended 1-1. The hamstring injury kept him out of the next three Netherlands matches and he had to watch Sunderland from the sidelines in recent weeks. The injury has now fully healed.

For Sunderland the return of Brobbey means a reinforcement in the starting lineup; he starts on Sunday against Leeds United. He missed Thursday's match against Lech Poznań, but the coaching staff have made six changes for the Premier League clash.

For Xavi this news is crucial, because a new international window is scheduled for November and it is very likely that Brobbey will be available again for the Netherlands. He is seen as a potential attacking leader, although Mexx Meerdink made a fine impression as a replacement.

Sunderland reached European competition last season, but now they are fighting against relegation. Leeds United, on the other hand, are making a good impression and sit in the lower part of the table. The return of Brobbey gives both clubs an extra boost.