Sunderland have been hit by an injury setback to defender Jason Denayer who has been ruled out for up to four weeks.
The Belgian defender tore his adductor muscle during his country’s Under 21 international against Montenegro last Friday.
Sunderland face two crucial away matches — Stoke on Saturday and West Ham a week later — as they battle to get away from the foot of the Premier League.
Denayer, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester City, has made four appearances for Sunderland so far this season, including three in the Premier League.