Sunderland manager Jack Ross is refusing to let the Papy Djilobodji situation affect his preparations for Fleetwood Town this weekend. 

According to the Sunderland Echo, the 29-year-old defender is not training with the first team after returning from a 72-day absence with Ross wanting the strong squad spirit to remain intact.

The defender failed to report to pre-season training and has missed the first month of the season, having decided to stay away to try and force an exit.

The club are now assessing his fitness and are in the process of taking legal advice on how to deal with the situation of the Senegal international.

Djilobodji was on loan Dijon last season where he made 31 appearances for the French side, in a season where the Black Cats were relegated from the Championship.

Having missed pre-season and the first month of the campaign after a self-imposed exile, Ross is refusing to let the situation become a talking point ahead of his planning for the visit of Joey Barton’s Fleetwood to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

Ross told the Sunderland Echo: “My focus and attention has always been on what I’ve had here. 

“I’ve been consistent in that message, about taking players how I find them and working with them. 

“I don’t want to go back over old ground, but there were obviously various different situations that we inherited, and nothing has ever been forced upon me, which was really encouraging for me from day one.

“Naturally, in the lead up to a game, my attention is on that group who I have available for this game.”

The Verdict

Jack Ross is saying the right things once more as he looks to maintain his side’s unbeaten run at the start of the season.

The Papy Djilobodji case is something to be dealt with by the club’s hierarchy and legal team, what Ross needs to do is remain focused on matters on the pitch and prepare his team to the best of his ability for this weekend’s clash.

Keeping the defender away from the first-team is a positive step as he could detract from their impressive run having been AWOL for 72-days.

As a professional footballer that is poor form and is disrespectful the club and the fans who support the club and the players through thick and thin.

The club doesn’t need him, and he will surely find somewhere else to play, much to the hope of Sunderland supporters.

The sooner the situation is resolved, the better.

But for now, though, Ross and his players need to remain focused on the footballing side of things.