Sunderland's World Cup duo Jewison Bennette and Bailey Wright were left out against West Brom after returning to Wearside short of fitness, according to boss Tony Mowbray. Bennette and Wright were both involved in the tournament in Qatar, with the former's Costa Rica side bowing out at the group stage while the latter's Australia team were knocked out by Argentina in the last 16.
Defender Wright returned to Wearside at the beginning of last week and was involved in Sunderland's behind-closed-doors friendly against Middlesbrough at Rockliffe Park nine days ago, with winger Bennette arriving back in the North East slightly later. But neither made the squad for Sunderland's home defeat against the Baggies, with Mowbray explaining that their fitness levels needed rebuilding because their training during the World Cup was structured differently.
"They were alright," said Mowbray. "In their minds, they will be fine.
