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. Sunderland will also welcome back Chemsdine Talbi and Juan Riquelme into contention, with both left out of the Europa League squad to UEFA’s homegrown player restrictions.
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...
5. Dan Ballard - out
Ballard suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland and is considered highly unlikely to feature until after the November international break. Might not be back until December depending on his recovery. | Getty Images
6. Romaine Mundle - out
Expected back sometime around the festive period after having surgery on a knee injury earlier this season. | Chris Fryatt
7. Julien Araujo - out
The right back is expected to be out until November with an injury. | Getty Images
8. Veljko Milosavljevic - doubt
The young centre back has previously been identified by Rose as being close to a comeback from injury but didn't feature against Sturm Graz on Thursday | Getty Images