Shaun Maloney could feature for Hull, having returned to training from a back problem that has kept him out since mid-October.
Dieumerci Mbokani is still suspended, while Abel Hernandez, Will Keane and Moses Odubajo are among the injured players who remain out.
Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye is available after a one-match ban.
Steve Mandanda, Pape Souare, Loic Remy, Connor Wickham and Jonathan Benteke are sidelined by injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "A Christmas cracker riddle: What used to be Sunderland's, but is now Hull's?
"I'll give you David Meyler and Ahmed Elmohamady, but the answer I was looking for is the label of 'doomed' by those who fancy themselves as Nostradamus*.