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.
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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...
9. Ahmed Abdullahi - Out
The striker was always going to take a while to return to fitness after undergoing surgery on a groin complaint. Still some way off being available. | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
10. Niall Huggins - Out
The full-back has been sidelined since last December, and is not expected back in action until the new year. Photo: Frank Reid
11. Jenson Seelt - Out
Seelt required surgery on a knee injury he sustained at the end of March. Given the severity of the setback, it seems unlikely we'll see the Dutchman play for the first team again this year. Photo: Frank Reid