Sunderland make their long-awaited return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when Spurs visit the Stadium of Light .
The game has 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. The significance for Spurs is far greater still, as they seek vital points to move away from the relegation zone. Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of his first game since replacing Igor Tudor.
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 host while for Spurs, Conor Gallagher, Joao Palinha and Lucas Bergvall should all be able to play a significant part after their recovery from injury.
Both Le Bris and De Zerbi held their pre-match press conferences on Friday afternoon and issued an update - here’s the very latest 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 will come too soon. Antonin Kinsky looks set to make his first appearance since being withdrawn in the first half of the first leg defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League as a result.
1. Guglielmo Vicario - out
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 will come too soon. Antonin Kinsky looks set to make his first appearance since being withdrawn in the first half of the first leg defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League as a result. | 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. Is close to a return but won't feature on Sunday.
3. Dan Ballard - out
Ballard missed the Tyne-Wear derby and Northern Ireland's play-off defeat to Italy with a hamstring issue. Is close to a return but won't feature on Sunday. 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 and having trained this week is available for selection
4. Robin Roefs - available
Has been recovering from a hamstring injury with the Tyne-Wear derby coming too soon. Has now had around five weeks to recover and having trained this week is available for selection | AFP via Getty Images