IAN POVEDA'S fitness remains a cause for concern, with Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris admitting he does not know when the summer signing will be able to make his Black Cats debut.

Poveda, who joined Sunderland as a free agent following his release from Leeds United, has played no part in any of the pre-season friendlies.

The 24-year-old joined Sunderland the week before last but didn't feature in the games against Blackpool, Bradford or Marseille. He travelled with the squad to Valley Parade for Saturday's game but wasn't involved, with Le Bris admitting the winger is playing catch-up when it comes to fitness and conditioning.

Le Bris is reluctant to rush Poveda into action and risk injuring the forward, whose last campaign was disrupted by a couple of setbacks.

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"He started three weeks after the rest of the team so he needs time to improve his physical condition," explained Le Bris.

"I don't know exactly when he will be available, we need to build a strong foundation with him so he is available for the whole season. We can't go too quickly with him."

Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts started on the flanks against Marseille on Saturday, with Roberts impressing. And Romaine Mundle staked his claim last week when he dazzled in the defeat to Bradford.

Poveda only made 17 Championship appearances last season. He impressed on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in the second half of the campaign but missed seven of the last ten games because of injury.