Kieran Richardson and Lee Cattermole are both struggling to be fit for Sunderland's crucial clash with Bolton tonight.
Richardson, who has had his problems on the injury front this season, has picked up another calf problem and is touch and go while Cattermole is struggling with a hamstring injury and could miss out.
Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has big problems in midfield as David Meyler is also unavailable as he completes a three-match ban while the game has come too soon for Andy Reid and Jordan Henderson as they battle back from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.
Bruce could however decide to start with Steed Malbranque who is back in the squad after being left out against Fulham following a breach of club discipline.