Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray gives concerning injury update ahead of Middlesbrough clash

Luke O'Nien is suspended for the game and while Mowbray did not discuss his injuries in detail, it's expected that none of Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin or Niall Huggins will return.

They could all be back in training next week, along with Alex Pritchard, but Mowbray concedes that he is 'stretched' ahead of the clash with one of the division's most in-form teams.

Mowbray said: "Listen, our squad is stretched at the moment. I think that's the best way to put it

"There's positivity in that I get a report off our medical department every morning and I think Monday will be a bright day for us, we've potentially got five players putting their boots on and coming to train with us.

"Of course, that doesn't help us in our game against Middlesbrough but I still think we'll have a talented group of players that can cause them some problems. We're very respectful of what they're doing and what Michael [Carrick] has brought together and that's why I keep saying I think this will be a really good football match."

Mowbray was then asked how his defensive options were looking as a result of O'Nien's suspension, and his response made clear that it's an area of the pitch currently giving him some concern.

"Short," he responded.

"I don't really want to give too much away but it's an area of the pitch where we're missing a few players and the options are pretty light for us.

"I'm hoping we'll play most of the game down the other end of the pitch. At this moment we're a week, ten days away from looking a lot stronger. Luke O'Nien's drive and mobility is undoubtedly a loss.

"But I do think we've got the players who can hopefully deal with what's coming and Middlesbrough's considerable threats - we'll put a team out that gives everything that it's got."

O'Nien is suspended for the next three fixtures as a result of his red card against Swansea City.