Sunderland striker Ross Stewart will be given as long as is needed to be right for a return from a thigh injury lay-off, says boss Tony Mowbray.
The Scotland striker, 26, was expected to return in Monday's 2-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion but felt a twinge and was stood down from action.
He was injured in the warm-up before defeat by Middlesbrough in September.
"If he's not ready in his mind, he's not fit, he's not ready," Mowbray told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"I don't see why we should be gambling with Ross Stewart if he's feeling some discomfort in the area where he's been injured.