Sunderland make their long-awaited return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when Spurs visit the Stadium of Light (2pm kick off).
The game has real significance for the Black Cats after their stunning Tyne-Wear derby comeback, and they will be hoping that they can demonstrate their top-ten credentials and further bolster their position in the race for a European spot. The significance for Spurs is obvious, as they seek vital points to move away from the Premier League relegation zone. Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of his first game since replacing Igor Tudor, and having had a full week to work with his new squad on the training pitch.
For both squads, there were green shoots in the last game before the break in terms of personnel with key players returning. Following an extra three weeks of recovery and training, Reinildo, Enzo Le Fee and Nordi Mukiele are all expected to play an increased part for the hosts. For Spurs, Conor Gallagher, Joao Palinha and Lucas Bergvall should all be able to play a significant part after their recovery from injury. Both clubs are still assessing some major doubts for the game, however, and know that they will be missing some key figures. Here’s the latest news as we have it from both camps...
Vicario underwent surgery on a pre-existing hernia issue in the recent break. The expectation is that he'll be back in action this month but Sunday's game might well come too soon. If that proves to the case, Antonin Kinsky is set to make his first appearance since being withdrawn in the first half of the first leg defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
1. Guglielmo Vicario - major doubt
Vicario underwent surgery on a pre-existing hernia issue in the recent break. The expectation is that he'll be back in action this month but Sunday's game might well come too soon. If that proves to the case, Antonin Kinsky is set to make his first appearance since being withdrawn in the first half of the first leg defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. | Getty Images
The forward picked up an injury in the defeat to Nottingham Forest before the break but has been pictured in training in recent days.
2. Mathys Tel - available
The forward picked up an injury in the defeat to Nottingham Forest before the break but has been pictured in training in recent days. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
Ballard missed the Tyne-Wear derby and Northern Ireland's play-off defeat to Italy with a hamstring issue, which reflect the fat it was not an insignificant injury. He has now had a month to recover since that Brighton defeat but it remains to be seen whether he'll be available on Sunday - Sunderland don't need to take undue risks.
3. Dan Ballard - major doubt
Ballard missed the Tyne-Wear derby and Northern Ireland's play-off defeat to Italy with a hamstring issue, which reflect the fat it was not an insignificant injury. He has now had a month to recover since that Brighton defeat but it remains to be seen whether he'll be available on Sunday - Sunderland don't need to take undue risks. Photo: Jordan Pettitt
Has been recovering from a hamstring injury with the Tyne-Wear derby coming too soon. Has now had around five weeks to recover from what was not deemed to be a serious issue, so there is some hope he could be available this weekend.
4. Robin Roefs - doubt
Has been recovering from a hamstring injury with the Tyne-Wear derby coming too soon. Has now had around five weeks to recover from what was not deemed to be a serious issue, so there is some hope he could be available this weekend. | AFP via Getty Images