Sunderland face Wolves this weekend looking to bounce back from consecutive Premier League defeats and give their hopes of finishing in the top half a very welcome boost.
Wolves, meanwhile, have already been relegated but on home turf have produced some impressive results under head coach Rob Edwards. Both Edwards and Régis Le Bris have relatively full and strong squads to select from this weekend, but could also be without some key figures. Here’s the latest team news from both camps as we have it at this stage...
1. Omar Alderete - major doubt
Aggravated a hip injury at Everton last week and Le Bris says the defender faces a late fitness test on Friday. The Sunderland head coach is expecting to be without the defender which means Luke O'Nien will likely return to the starting XI | Sunderland's Omar Alderete. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
2. Chemsdine Talbi - out
A big blow for Sunderland - the winger suffered a muscle injury in training this week and will be absent on Sunday as a result. Would have had a big part to play whether from the bench or the start. | Getty Images
3. Joao Pedro - doubt
Missed out against Spurs but trained on Friday with interim boss Callum McFarlane saying it was looking 'promising' for him to be involved at the Stadium of Light this weekend. | Local Library
4. Dan Ballard - out
Ballard will serve the final game of his three-match suspension for violent conduct in the draw at Wolves. Sunderland appealed the decision but it was rejected. | Getty Images