Sunderland make their long-awaited return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when Spurs visit the Stadium of Light .
The game has significance for the Black Cats after their stunning Tyne-Wear derby comeback, and they will be hoping that they can demonstrate their top-ten credentials. The significance for Spurs is far greater still, as they seek vital points to move away from the relegation zone. Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of his first game since replacing Igor Tudor.
For both squads, there were green shoots in the last game before the break in terms of personnel with key players returning. Following an extra three weeks of recovery and training, Reinildo, Enzo Le Fee and Nordi Mukiele are all expected to play an increased part for the host while for Spurs, Conor Gallagher, Joao Palinha and Lucas Bergvall should all be able to play a significant part after their recovery from injury.
Both Le Bris and De Zerbi held their pre-match press conferences on Friday afternoon and issued an update - here’s the very latest from both camps...
1. Omar Alderete - major doubt
Aggravated a hip injury at Everton last week and Le Bris says the defender faces a late fitness test on Friday. The Sunderland head coach is expecting to be without the defender which means Luke O'Nien will likely return to the starting XI | Sunderland's Omar Alderete. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
2. Chemsdine Talbi - out
A big blow for Sunderland - the winger suffered a muscle injury in training this week and will be absent on Sunday as a result. Would have had a big part to play whether from the bench or the start. | Getty Images
3. Joao Pedro - doubt
Missed out against Spurs but trained on Friday with interim boss Callum McFarlane saying it was looking 'promising' for him to be involved at the Stadium of Light this weekend. | Local Library
4. Dan Ballard - out
Ballard will serve the final game of his three-match suspension for violent conduct in the draw at Wolves. Sunderland appealed the decision but it was rejected. | Getty Images