SUNDERLAND claimed another pre-season victory as they saw off Dijon FCO in Evian this evening, but the win was marred by a second-half injury to Patrick van Aanholt.

Van Aanholt hobbled straight down the tunnel after suffering a knock, with the setback highlighting the lack of cover in both full-back positions with the opening weekend of the Premier League season now just two-and-a-half weeks away.

Youngster Tom Robson was forced to slot in for van Aanholt, with Sunderland not boasting any experienced left-back cover.

The situation on the opposite flank was equally alarming, with Jack Rodwell forced to start at right-back before making way for Billy Jones, and having rejected a chance to sign former England international Micah Richards earlier this week, David Moyes will be stepping up his search for full-backs in the next few days.

The new Sunderland boss is also prioritising the purchase of a new attacker, although he will have been impressed by the performance of Joel Asoro this evening, with the 17-year-old scoring one goal and setting up another as the Black Cats claimed a 3-2 success.

Asoro, a Swedish attacking midfielder who signed for Sunderland in 2015, broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, seizing on an error from Dijon defender Jordan Loties before slotting home.

Dijon, who play in France’s Ligue 1, equalised at the start of the second half when Dylan Bahamboula drilled home a powerful finish, but Sunderland, who were able to name Jan Kirchhoff in their starting line-up for the first time during pre-season, reclaimed the lead moments later.

Asoro was heavily involved again, picking up the ball on the right-hand side before feeding Wahbi Khazri, who fired past the goalkeeper.

Dijon scored a second when Bahamboula set up Jeremie Bela, but Sunderland claimed what proved to be the winner with seven minutes left.

Duncan Watmore’s cross struck a Dijon hand in the box, and Fabio Borini stepped up to successfully convert from the penalty spot.

Sunderland: Pickford, Rodwell (Jones 63), Kone, Kaboul, van Aanholt (T Robson 52), Cattermole (E Robson 72), Kirchhoff, Lens, Khazri (N’Zogbia 80), Borini, Asoro (Watmore 63).

Subs (not used): Mannone (gk), Stryjek (gk), J Robson, Gooch, Greenwood, Honeyman.