Sunderland face their toughest test of the new season yet when they welcome Champions Arsenal to the Stadium of Light on Saturday night.
Both Régis Le Bris and Mikel Arteta have some key absentees - here’s the latest team and injury news from both camps as we currently have it...
5. Romaine Mundle - out
Mundle has had surgery on a meniscus injury and is expected to absent until sometime over the festive period. A cruel setback for the winger who had worked so hard over the pre-season period to put himself firmly in Le Bris's plans. | Chris Fryatt
6. Juan Riquelmo Angulo - out
Angulo has not yet linked up with his new team mates but Sunderland did get a big boost when his visa was approved this week. Should be able to start training next week as a result. | Getty Images
7. William Saliba - out
Saliba is recovering from a back issue that curtailed his World Cup campaign and there is not return date set as of yet. Likely to be sidelined for a little while longer.