Nordi Mukiele
SUNFrance
Right
Nov 1, 1997
28
6'2"
185 lb
CB
RB
Driving Centre Back
SunderlandAvailable 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.
Logs assist on opening goal
Mukiele assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Arsenal.
Analysis: The midfielder got the assist on Sunderland's opening goal off the long free kick, judging the bounce well and setting up Daniel Ballard. Mukiele has a good matchup coming up in two weeks against Fulham, a team which has conceded 16 times in 11 games.
Goal complements clean sheet
Mukiele scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Mukiele played for the first time this season as a right back and recorded a season-high two shots including his first on target which resulted in a goal. It was his first attacking contribution in six starts during which he's produced four shots, created four chances and recorded 20 tackles, winning 15 of them and totaling 48 clearances overall. The defender has registered at least one tackle and made five or more clearances in each of his starts.
Available to face Man United
Mukiele is fit and available to face Manchester United on Saturday, manager Regis Le Bris confirmed during Thursday's press conference.
Analysis: Mukiele has started and played the full 90 in his four starts with Sunderland this season. The defender has established himself as a regular at center-back alongside Omar Alderete and should be a reliable source of defensive stats against Manchester United. Through four games, Mukiele has 35 clearances, 11 tackles and four interceptions while contributing to two clean sheets.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare