This is why Charlie Wyke is missing for Sunderland's clash with Gillingham

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who claims that the striker - who has been a regular under Phil Parkinson – has had further issues with a niggling back problem.

Parkinson mentioned prior to the trip to Coventry City that Wyke was a doubt with a back issue, and it seems to have reared its head once again ahead of the visit of the Gills.

His omission means a first start for Kyle Lafferty, while Will Grigg once again takes a place on the bench.

Wyke is expected to be available for the trip to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, March 10.

Sunderland AFC XI: J McLaughlin; Willis, Ozturk, Flanagan; O'Nien, Hume, Dobson, Power; Gooch, Maguire, Lafferty

Sunderland AFC subs: Burge, Watmore, C McLaughlin, Lynch, Grigg, Scowen, Semenyo