REGIS LE BRIS has played down the seriousness of the injury that kept Chris Rigg out of Sunderland’s goalless draw at QPR.

Rigg was not involved at Loftus Road as the Black Cats shrugged off the setback of losing Jobe Bellingham to a red card to claim a point.

The midfielder picked up an injury issue in training last week, and while Le Bris did not want to disclose the exact nature of the teenager’s problem, he does not expect it will lead to a long-term absence.

Rigg is a doubt for Wednesday night’s trip to Preston, but the 17-year-old should be able to return to training at the Academy of Light at some stage next week.

Le Bris said: “Riggy is okay, I don’t want to talk more because I’m not a doctor. He should be back in training next week.

“I don’t want to comment more because I’m not a doctor, but he seems to be okay, which of course is good news for him and for us. It’s too early to say whether he can play on Wednesday, we will just have to wait and see.”

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If Rigg is not available for the Preston game, Le Bris will have to plug a gap in midfield as Bellingham will be suspended for the trip to Deepdale.

Milan Aleksic could be handed a first senior appearance since his summer move from Serbia, with Adil Aouchiche another potential option despite having appeared for the Under-21s today rather than featuring in the first-team squad at QPR.

Le Bris said: “First, we need to rest and recover. We have a core of the team who manage many situations and help the young players to help with the first team.

“I think we will find a new solution, we need to create something new. I don’t know what this will be at the minute.”