The Black Cats now have three weeks without a game and will return to action on December 3 when they face Millwall at the Stadium of Light.
Tony Mowbray’s squad are set to travel to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp later this month, when some players will step up their recoveries following injury setbacks.
If everyone is fit and available, Mowbray would have some tough decisions to make when the season resumes.
Here’s what Sunderland’s starting XI and bench could look like if the squad is at full strength:
9. CAM: Alex Pritchard
The playmaker hasn’t recorded as many goals and assists as he would have liked but is still an important member of the team, helping Sunderland press from the front and linking play. Photo: Frank Reid
10. RW: Amad
We’re now starting to see the best of the Manchester United loanee, who has started Sunderland’s last five matches. The 20-year-old has been performing so well that he was selected ahead of Patrick Roberts at Birmingham. Photo: Frank Reid
11. ST: Ross Stewart
If the striker hadn’t been sidelined with a thigh injury it’s no exaggeration to say Sunderland could have been in the play-off places. Stewart scored five goals in seven Championship appearances at the start of the season and is on track to return after the break. Photo: Frank Reid
12. SUB: Alex Bass
With Patterson taking his opportunity between the sticks, Bass has acted as back-up. The 24-year-old has made just one senior appearance in the Carabao Cup since his move from Portsmouth. Photo: Martin Swinney