Sunderland are back in Premier League next action next Saturday as they face Brighton at the Stadium of Light (3pm KO).
Both Régis Le Bris and Fabian Hürzeler have some big selection dilemmas ahead of the game, which will be heavily influenced by a number of potential injuries to key players. Here, we bring you up to speed with the early team news from both camps as we have it at this stage...
The full back is available again after serving a one-game suspension against Man City. Le Bris must decide whether he comes straight back into the XI or whether Dayann Methalie continues.
The full back is available again after serving a one-game suspension against Man City. Le Bris must decide whether he comes straight back into the XI or whether Dayann Methalie continues.
Ballard pulled up with a hamstring injury while on Northern Ireland duty and though the timeframe of his return has not yet been confirmed, Sunderland are braced to be without the influential defender next week.
Ballard pulled up with a hamstring injury while on Northern Ireland duty and though the timeframe of his return has not yet been confirmed, Sunderland are braced to be without the influential defender next week.
Like Ballard, Brobbey suffered a suspected hamstring injury while on international duty with the Netherlands. Sunderland have not yet confirmed the severity of the injury.
Like Ballard, Brobbey suffered a suspected hamstring injury while on international duty with the Netherlands. Sunderland have not yet confirmed the severity of the injury.
Diarra underwent a scan in the early stages of the break, with Sunderland hopeful that it would clear the way for him to go through the final stages of his rehab. Even if all has gone to plan, the Brighton game might well come just too soon for the midfielder but he should be able to play some part in the hectic schedule that precedes the November international break.
Diarra underwent a scan in the early stages of the break, with Sunderland hopeful that it would clear the way for him to go through the final stages of his rehab. Even if all has gone to plan, the Brighton game might well come just too soon for the midfielder but he should be able to play some part in the hectic schedule that precedes the November international break.