Sunderland could arrange a festive friendly for out of favour stars

Sunderland could arrange a festive friendly to compensate for their free weekend in League One.
Sunderland's Academy of Light training base. Sunderland's Academy of Light training base.
Sunderland's Academy of Light training base.

That’s according to assistant manager Steve Parkin, who claims the Black Cats’ squad will be assessed this week before a friendly is potentially arranged.

Sunderland were set to play Bury on December 21 but, following the Shakers’ expulsion from the EFL, the club will now not take to the field until the Boxing Day visit of Bolton Wanderers.

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Parkin and manager Phil Parkinson, therefore, are set to observe the squad once they return to training today [Tuesday] and make a decision on whether an additional game is needed.

There is also scope for some first team players to feature for Sunderland’s under-23 side in their Durham Challenge Cup clash with Willington on Wednesday evening.

“There is a U23 game Wednesday which maybe we could use for a couple,” explained Parkin.

“Then we’ll see if we need to organise one maybe over the weekend.”