The Black Cats were hopeful they could strengthen their forward options, with top scorer Ross Stewart set to miss the rest of the season with an achilles injury, yet a move didn’t materialise.
While Sunderland were able to make four new additions in January, including Pierre Ekwah, Joe Gelhardt, Isaac Lihadji and Joe Anderson, they also lost Ellis Simms at the start of the month when the frontman was recalled by Everton.
Tony Mowbray’s side are also likely to be without captain Corry Evans for the rest of the season due to an ACL issue, while Elliot Embleton is recovering from a long-term setback.
Excluding the aforementioned injured players, here’s what Sunderland’s starting XI and bench could look like for the remainder of the campaign:
1. GK: Anthony Patterson
The 23-year-old started every Championship fixture for Sunderland during the 2022/23 season and is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs. Photo: Martin Swinney
2. RB: Trai Hume
After starting the season on the fringes of the squad, the 21-year-old has become a key player for Sunderland this year. Photo: Frank Reid
3. CB: Danny Batth
While he missed the end of the season with a knee injury, the 32-year-old was the Sunderland Supporters’ Player of the Year for the 2022/23 campaign. Photo: Frank Reid
4. CB: Dan Ballard
Despite missing parts of the season due to injuries, the 23-year-old still produced some impressive performances in the heart of Sunderland’s defence. Photo: Frank Reid