And Tony Mowbray has been hampered in his squad selection with injuries to key men Ross Stewart and Dennis Cirkin before and during the loss to Middlesbrough last Monday.
Sunderland have been playing a three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs for the season so far, but could recent injury issues force Mowbray to change it up?
Here, we take a look at just one of the ways Sunderland under Mowbray could line up against Millwall this Saturday at the Stadium of Light:
1. RB: Luke O'Nien
The utility man has been playing centre-back in a three but could find himself at right-back, where he has played before for Sunderland, against Milllwall Photo: Frank Reid
2. LB: Aji Alese
Sunderland are in need of a left-sided defender after Dennis Cirkin's injury. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
3. CB: Bailey Wright
Wright could be handed an opportunity to start under Tony Mowbray. Photo: FRANK REID
4. CB: Danny Batth
Batth has been a stalwart at centre back for Sunderland this season. Photo: FRANK REID