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:
13. SUB: Aji Alese
With Sunderland looking to bolster their centre-back options, Alese may find himself competing and rotating with Cirkin at left-back. Photo: Frank Reid
14. SUB: Luke O’Nien
After impressing in defence for most of the 2022/23 season, O’Nien will probably be viewed as a centre-back option. The 28-year-old has shown he can operate in several positions though. Photo: Frank Reid
15. SUB: Lynden Gooch
Gooch is another player whose versatility has proved valuable. The 26-year-old is likely to be competing with Hume for the right-back spot next term. Photo: Frank Reid
16. SUB: Abdoullah Ba
Ba’s best performances have come when he’s played as an advanced midfielder. It will be interesting to see how he develops as a player next season. Photo: Frank Reid