Sunderland are preparing for their Championship fixture against Middlesbrough – with multiple players still sidelined with injuries.
The Black Cats have won five of their last six matches and are fourth in the table following Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Watford.
After a challenging start to the season, Boro are also in good form following three consecutive league wins.
Here’s the latest injury and team news from both camps:
. Alex Pritchard warming up for Sunderland
Alex Pritchard warming up for Sunderland. Photo: Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
. Alex Pritchard (Sunderland) - DOUBT
Pritchard missed Sunderland's 2-0 win over Watford due to a calf strain. Mowbray said after that match the playmaker is unlikely to feature against Middlesbrough. Photo: Frank Reid
. Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough) - DOUBT
After starting Middlesbrough's first eight league games this season, Lenihan missed the side's 3-2 win at Watford due to an illness and was only deemed fit enough to start on the bench against Cardiff. Photo: George Wood
. Bradley Dack (Sunderland) - OUT
Dack has also been sidelined in recent weeks with a hamstring issue. Mowbray has been wary of rushing the player back too soon, with the 29-year-old also set to return after the international break. Photo: Frank Reid
5. Pierre Ekwah (Sunderland) - OUT
Ekwah has missed Sunderland's last four matches with a dead leg which has remained swollen. The midfielder isn't set to return until after the international break. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Jonny Howson (Middlesbrough) - DOUBT
Middlesbrough's captain was also struck down with an illness and missed the win over Cardiff on Tuesday. Photo: Stu Forster
7. Aji Alese (Sunderland) - OUT
Alese has stepped up his recovery following a long-term thigh injury but isn't expected to be available until after this month's international break. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Lewis O'Brien (Middlesbrough) - OUT
It's been confirmed the Nottingham Forest loanee is set to be sidelined for two to three months after suffering leg and ankle injuries. Photo: George Wood