Sunderland have received a much-needed injury boost with the news Lee Cattermole should be fit to face Manchester City on Sunday.
It looked as though the former England under-21 international had aggravated the hamstring injury that has kept him out in recent weeks in the 4-0 win over Bolton on Tuesday after being brought off with 20 minutes remaining.
However, Cattermole has been passed fit for Sunday's visit of City, a welcome boost for Steve Bruce with Lorik Cana suspended, while Andy Reid and Jordan Henderson will not have shaken off their injuries in time.
Bolo Zenden or Kieran Richardson could come into the Sunderland midfield in place of Cana with Bruce unlikely to change the rest of his side following the midweek win.