Sunderland handed boost as Fleetwood Town boss Simon Grayson reveals injury concerns

Grayson will check on Max Clark after injury forced him off after just 20 minutes against Rotherham last weekend.

Harrison Holgate and Anthony Pilkington both missed the win at AESSEAL New York Stadium after picking up knocks in training the day before the game and they will also be assessed.

Grayson, in charge of the Black Cats for a brief spell in 2017 when the club was in the Championship, has said in the build up to Saturday’s match that he would like “some new additions”.

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson will be without defender Tom Flanagan through suspension.

The Northern Ireland international will serve a one-match ban after collecting his fifth booking of the campaign in the 2-1 victory over Accrington last Saturday.

Striker Leon Dajaku, a loan signing from German club Union Berlin, could be handed a debut after working his way up to full match fitness, while full-back Denver Hume continues to work his way back following hamstring surgery.

Central defender Arbenit Xhemajli, who has been out of action for more than a year with a cruciate ligament injury, is back in training but still some way from returning to the senior squad.

Sunderland are currently top of League One having enjoyed wins over Wigan Athletic, MK Dons, AFC Wimbledon, Wycombe Wanderers and Accrington Stanley so far this campaign.

The Black Cats one loss this season came away to Burton Albion.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor