Though still early in the season and with much football still to be played, it’s a big Premier League game for both Sunderland and Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
Both are enjoying a historic campaign as they play in the Europa League, but have fewer points on the board than they would like. Both Marco Rose and Régis Le Bris were handed some welcome injury boosts in midweek, with Bournemouth forwards Justin Kluivert and Amine Adli made their return in the midweek win over Austrian side Sturm Graz. While neither Brian Brobbey nor Habib Diarra got any minutes in Leiria, their presence on the bench paved the way for their involvement in the squad. Both head coaches, however, have a number of key absentees and additional injury concerns. Here’s the latest team news from both camps as we have it at this stage...
1. Eli Junior Kroupi - out
The talented striker is yet to play this season after suffering an injury int he summer and is not expected back until early next month at the earliest. | Getty Images
2. Wilson Isidor - major doubt
Isidor didn't travel to Portugal this week after picking up a knock in the 2-0 defeat to Brighton. Le Bris said it was a minor knock and he was not ruled out of this game but a big question mark as to how much he'll be able to feature. | Getty Images
3. Alex Scott - out
The talented midfielder will not be out for as long as Bournemouth initially expected after suffering an injury on international duty, but will miss this game and most likely the next couple that follow. | Getty Images
4. Thomas Meunier - out
Sunderland are confident the hamstring injury suffered by Meunier last weekend is not serious but Le Bris has already confirmed that this game will come too soon for the versatile Belgian. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt