Regis Le Bris admits Arthur Masuaku could leave Sunderland in January.
The full-back has struggled for game time at the club since his summer arrival, having not played for the Black Cats since October.
And Le Bris says he has spoken to the defender, who is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations, about his future.
“Probably the most competitive part of our squad is the back line,” Le Bris said.
“We have many good players. Some of them gained momentum and for Arthur, even if he is a really good player, he didn’t have many opportunities to play.
“But he’s still important for us. We had a conversation together just before AFCON and we agreed in this transfer window, we will have the opportunity to discuss, but it doesn’t mean that he will leave.
“We still have to be aligned, so if the collective and individual are aligned, we can go like that, and if it’s not the case, let’s see.
“We like consistency. Even if one, two or three players are not at their best for one game, it doesn’t mean that they can’t keep playing, and Arthur, so far, didn’t have this opportunity to be consistent in the squad.”