Aston Villa have doubts over defender Richard Dunne for the Sunderland game after he picked up an Achilles injury.
Dunne has been a revelation since arriving from Manchester City but he could be missing for the visit of Sunderland after picking up the injury against Wolves on Saturday.
Martin O'Neill has not completely ruled Dunne out but it does not look too good for the Irishman.
"He did well to come out for the second half because he has got an Achilles problem," said O'Neill. "He was very sore at half-time but we'll monitor it and see how it goes. Is it the number of games catching up? I think it is a combination of those things."
Meanwhile, Villa could also be without leading scorer Gabby Agbonlahor, who sat out the Wolves game with a foot injury.
"His groin wasn't too bad but he stubbed his foot in training and opened up the ligaments in the joint which was a real blow for him and for us," O'Neill added. "I don't know how long he'll be out for at this moment. We'll see, but he was very sore on Saturday morning. I'll have more news later."