Sunderland resume their Carabao Cup campaign on Wednesday evening with a tough test against Premier League rivals Brentford.
With their European campaign meaning they entered the competition one round later than usual, they are now just one game away from a quarter final. The competition nevertheless sits bottom of their priorities for the campaign ahead, particularly given their precarious position in the league table.
Here’s the team news from both camps as we have it at this early stage...
9. Dan Ballard - out
The Sunderland defender is expected to be out with a hamstring issue until after the November international break at the earliest. | Getty Images
10. Romaine Mundle - out
Expected to be out until sometime around the festive period after undergoing surgery on a knee issue. | PA
11. Kaye Furo - out
Young striker signed from Club Brugge in January recently had surgery on a metatarsal injury. Is back on the grass but next expected to be available here. | Getty Images