Sunderland boss drops Fulham team news hint with Leeds striker missing

Mowbray will have to make at least one change as Joe Gelhardt is cup-tied, meaning that the Black Cats will be operating without a recognised striker.

And while Mowbray believes the youth in his squad should be a positive in coping with the fixture list, he's mindful of ensuring there is no burnout in the weeks ahead.

"We'll have to make some decisions in terms of the selection of the team, with half an eye on a league match against Reading at home this weekend that we have to try and target to get the three points," Mowbray said.

"It's just about getting the balance - how much can you go to the well with the same group of players every match?

"We're in a period now where we potentially have a midweek game every week this month, with a squad where we will have a 15-year-old on the bench again and maybe a couple of 17-year-olds as well.

"It's stretching our squad, with the injuries we've got and some players who aren't eligible tomorrow night.

"We're a bit short for this game but it's a great opportunity for some of these youngsters to feel the atmosphere and show what we can do.

"What I would say is that the positive of me sitting here and talking about young the squad is, well they should all be fit, strong, powerful and able to run. I shouldn't have to worry about tired old legs and hopefully that remains the case. It's a young, athletic group and they should be robust."

Injury blow for Sunderland and Rotherham defender

On loan Sunderland defender Bailey Wright could miss Rotherham United’s game this weekend after suffering a concussion within the first minute of his debut.

Wright came off the bench for Rotherham around the 70-minute mark before challenging for a header 30 seconds later. The 30-year-old had to go off after a clash of heads on his Millers debut without touching the ball.

It was later confirmed Wright was concussed following the clash and that he will now go through a week of concussion protocols.

Rotherham face Blackpool away on Saturday.