Sunderland might include Ian Poveda in the squad for Saturday's Championship match at home to Norwich City.
The winger, who joined on a free transfer from Leeds United in July, has managed just three substitute appearances this season before picking up a thigh injury in a 2-0 win over Derby County in October.
"Ian has trained for just over a week now, so he's in really good shape," Black Cats head coach Regis le Bris told his pre-match media conference., external
"He's not ready to play a full game, but he can be a substitute.