Sunderland are preparing for their Championship fixture against Cardiff on Sunday – with multiple players still sidelined with injuries.
The Black Cats beat Blackburn 3-1 last time out, meaning they have won their last three league games in the Championship.
Sunderland will then travel to Sheffield Wednesday next week, with head coach Tony Mowbray hoping to welcome back some of his injured players.
Here’s the latest Black Cats injury and team news – and when players could return.
5. Aji Alese - thigh
After suffering a recurrence of the thigh problem that had kept him out for much of last season, Alese has been back out on the training pitches at the Academy of Light. Mowbray said the 22-year-old could return before the next international break in October. Potential return game: Middlesbrough (H), Sat 7 Oct. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Eliezer Mayenda - hamstring
Mayenda sustained a hamstring injury in his first Sunderland training session after joining the club from French side Sochaux in July. The 18-year-old striker has been stepping up his recovery and could also be available before the next international break. Potential return game: Middlesbrough (H), Sat 7 Oct. Photo: National World
7. Timothee Pembele - personal maintenance programme
The French right-back hasn't played a competitive match since March after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Sunderland have said the 21-year-old is undergoing a personal maintenance programme alongside the club’s performance team. Potential return game: Stoke (A), Sat 21 Oct. Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
8. Dennis Cirkin - hamstring
After starting Sunderland's first five league games this season, Cirkin has sustained a hamstring strain. Mowbray said the 21-year-old is 'going to miss a couple of weeks at least and probably a touch more.' That means Cirkin could be sidelined until after the next international break. Potential return game: Stoke (A), Sat 21 Oct. Photo: Frank Reid