Tony Mowbray is also facing a few headaches of his own, with both of his first choice central defenders ruled out due to suspension and with a number of other players still sidelined due to injury.
The Sunderland head coach held his pre-match press conference on Thursday, and here’s what we learned...
The Sunderland head coach held his pre-match press conference on Thursday, and here’s what we learned...
5. AJI STEPS UP HIS COMEBACK
Aji Alese remains a couple of weeks away from returning to full training but after his long period of injury frustration, Mowbray is confident that there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
Alese needs to build his match fitness and so might not be available immediately after the international break, but should be fit in time for a relentless festive schedule.
"Aji Alese is probably two or three weeks away from being back in full training and competing [for a place]," Mowbray said.
"He's probably going to need some game time with the U21s first." Photo: Frank Reid
Niall Huggins' impressive campaign so far has been rewarded with his first call up to the Wales senior squad.
While there may be some concerns over an increased workload for the defender, Mowbray said he was thrilled when he heard the news.
"I think it's great for him," Mowbray said.
'I shook his hand on Thursday when I came in, it's amazing for him. He had a really, really, tough time - not just the injuries but the psychological kickback of those injuries has been really tough for a young guy to constantly break down.
"Now, to be robust and strong, and to be able to play left or right and not bat an eyelid and to run with the ball and score an amazing goal recently, it's just great for him. He's going to play for his country and I would never deny a player that, it's one of the biggest accolades you can ever have.
"I still talk about my England B caps - if I'd have played in the World Cup in 1990, you'd have never heard the last of it! I'd be in here every day telling you about it. It's fantastic for Niall and we're all delighted for him.
"We just hope and pray he can stay fit and keep enjoying his football as much as he is doing at the moment." Photo: FRANK REID
Fulham striker Jay Stansfield has made a strong start to his loan spell at Birmingham City, having already scored five goals.
Mowbray confirmed that Stansfield was a player the club pursued before he opted to move to St Andrews. Sunderland eventually recruited Mason Burstow on deadline day.
"It was something we chased pretty hard but, for whatever reason, it didn't happen," Mowbray said.
"I did have a conversation with him and I spoke to his manager at Fulham, and they were pretty sound and happy that he was coming here.
"I don't know the reason [why he didn't come].
"I was a young footballer once, and to take you out of your roots and to send you 350 miles up the country is probably daunting.
"As I say, I don't know the reason - maybe he thinks Birmingham is a great club, or maybe it's a one-hour train journey from Birmingham Central to King's Cross, I don't know.
"That said, he is a good footballer, he knows where the back of the net is and he has scored a few goals for them." Photo: Graham Chadwick
Pembele remains a little way behind Aji Alese as he looks to build towards his Sunderland debut, but Mowbray says that day is drawing closer.
"Timothée Pembélé is not too dissimilar in terms of the timescale to Aji, maybe three or four weeks [before he's back in full training]," Mowbray said.
Midfielder Jay Matete is also thought to be around a month away from being back fully fit and competing for a place. Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT