Overview

• Régis Le Bris said Noah Sadiki "seems okay" after checks, with his ankle issue viewed as less serious than first feared.
• Omar Alderete reported positive after returning from a 20-hour trip, with another assessment scheduled before the match.
• Both players sustained minor problems on international duty, with Sadiki withdrawing from DR Congo and Alderete suffering a muscle concern versus South Korea.
• Dan Ballard is likely to feature if Alderete is unavailable, following an impressive performance for Northern Ireland.
• If Sadiki cannot start, Sunderland are considering Dan Neil, Luke O'Nien or Chris Rigg to fill the midfield role.