Sunderland are preparing for their Championship match against Bristol City at the Stadium of Light – with injury issues for both sides.
The Black Cats were thumped 5-1 by Blackburn on Monday and have lost seven of their last nine matches. Bristol City have won their last two games against Leicester and Plymouth to move two points above Sunderland in the Championship table.
Here’s the latest Sunderland and Bristol City injury and team news ahead of their meeting at the Stadium of Light:
9. Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland) - OUT
Cirkin has been sidelined since November with a hamstring injury and underwent surgery on the issue. The full-back isn't expected to return until late April. Photo: Frank Reid
10. Kal Naismith (Bristol City) - OUT
The 32-year-old centre-back hasn't played for Bristol City's first team since November due to a hamstring injury. Photo: Getty Images
11. Elliot Embleton (Sunderland) - OUT
After returning from a thigh injury, Embleton rolled his ankle in training and is not yet ready to make his comeback. Photo: Frank Reid
12. Niall Huggins (Sunderland) - OUT
The full-back was stretchered off during Sunderland's 3-0 defeat against Coventry in December and is set to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Photo: FRANK REID