Sunderland return to Premier League action when they face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats are looking to build on their excellent win against West Ham, while Burnley are hoping to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat away at Spurs. Both Scott Parker and Régis Le Bris have a number of injury and fitness concerns, so here’s the latest team news as we have it following the pre-match press conferences on Thursday...
1. Lisandro Martinez - available
The influential centre back has served a three-game suspension for violent conduct after being ruled to have pulled the hair of Leeds United Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Likely to come straight back into the XI for this game. | Local Library
2. Dan Ballard - out
The FA rejected Sunderland's appeal this week and so Ballard will begin his three-game suspension for violent conduct on Saturday. Leaves Le Bris with a big decision to make as to how plays at centre back and right back as a result. | Getty Images
3. Benjamin Sesko - doubt
Sesko was substituted at half time last week after aggravating a pre-existing shin issue when he collided with advertising hoardings during the win over Liverpool. Should he be absent, Amad could well return to the starting XI at the Stadium of Light. | Getty Images
4. Nilson Angulo - available
Trained this week and so available to return to the squad tomorrow. Le Bris has strongly hinted that he'll be used initially as an impact substitute. | Nilson Angulo of Sunderland against Port Vale. Photo by Chris Fryatt.