Sunderland are preparing for their Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday – with multiple players still sidelined with injuries.
Tony Mowbray’s side were beaten 1-0 by Cardiff last time out, following a run of three consecutive wins.
Wednesday are bottom of the table after taking just two points from their first eight league games this season.
Here’s the latest injury and team news from both camps:
. Pierre Ekwah. Picture by FRANK REID
Pierre Ekwah playing for Sunderland. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
. Pierre Ekwah (Sunderland) - OUT
The midfielder has missed Sunderland's last two matches with a dead leg which has remained swollen. Ekwah is set to miss Friday's match against Sheffield Wednesday but could return for next week's fixtures against Watford and Middlesbrough. Photo: Frank Reid
. Mallik Wilks (Sheffield Wednesday) - DOUBT
Wilks was seen training with Wednesday's first team this week and looks set to return soon after an injury he picked up at the start of the season. The winger is unlikely to be risked from the start against Sunderland even if he is available. Photo: Ashley Allen
1. Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland) - OUT
Cirkin has been sidelined since November with a hamstring injury and underwent surgery on the issue. The full-back has returned to training but won't be risked after a lengthy setback. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Michael Ihiekwe (Sheffield Wednesday) - DOUBT
Ihiekwe, who has made 25 Championship appearances this season, wasn't named in the squad for Wednesday's match against West Brom following a setback. The central defender has trained this week ahead of the Sunderland match. Photo: Naomi Baker
3. Nazariy Rusyn (Sunderland) - OUT
Rusyn has missed Sunderland's last eight matches with a calf issue. The forward has also trained this week but won't be risked for the Sheffield Wednesday fixture. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Ian Poveda (Sheffield Wednesday) - DOUBT
The Leeds loanee has missed Wednesday's last four matches with a hamstring injury but has been doing work on the grass at Wednesday's Middlewood Road training ground ahead of the Sunderland fixture. Photo: David Rogers