Sunderland will be aiming to return to winning ways when they travel to face Millwall in the Championship on the other side of the international break. The Black Cats have drawn three on the bounce in the league, including a frustrating capitulation against Coventry City in which they squandered a two-goal half-time lead.
Despite their recent setbacks, however, Regis Le Bris’ side still sit top of the table, but will face a challenging test at The Den against a team who have won four out of their last five. Those results have catapulted Millwall to the brink of the play-off places, and they too will be hoping to fan the flames of their own promotion ambitions when they host the league leaders.
If Sunderland are to come away from the capital with all three points, however, they will have to do so with a somewhat beleaguered squad at their disposal. Through a combination of injury and suspension, Le Bris could be left with a fairly threadbare dressing room to pick his starting XI from.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
But who is definitely ruled out, and who remains doubtful for next Saturday’s clash? We’ve taken a closer look at both sides and their respective concerns below...
5. Salis Abdul Samed - Out
The midfielder is yet to make his debut for Sunderland, and while the initial hope had been that he would be ready just after the international break, December now looks much more likely. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Romaine Mundle - Doubt
Subbed off against Coventry after sustaining an injury, the early signs are not promising, but it is too early to say that he is ruled out for definite. | Getty Images
7. Alan Browne - Doubt
Similar to Mundle, Browne faces a nervy wait to see just how bad his latest injury is. Don't be surprised if he is absent at The Den. | Frank Reid
8. Ian Poveda - Out
It's been a frustrating start to life on Wearside for Poveda, and it would appear that he will have to wait a little while longer to make his return to action after sustaining a muscle injury back in October. | Harry Murphy/Getty Images Photo: Harry Murphy/Getty Images