This is why Swansea City left-back Declan John wasn't in the Sunderland squad for Ipswich win

The defender was taken from the field at Portsmouth last weekend after being knocked unconscious and he also suffered a rib injury.

The defender missed the 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at the Stadium of Light but Parkinson has confirmed the centre-back has not suffered a broken rib and following the concussion protocol, Lynch should be back available for selection early next week.

Sunderland host Rochdale at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening.

Tom Flanagan came in for Lynch and impressed, the back three helping the club to another clean sheet.

On Lynch, Parkinson said: “With Joel, there is no broken rib, protocol with the concussion is progressing.

“He should be close to selection early next week.”

Deadline day signing Declan John, signed from Swansea City on loan for the rest of the season, is yet to feature as he builds his fitness.

Parkinson added: “Declan is fine. He's been fine this week in training, but Bailey had started the week with a bit of a tight groin and I just felt I needed another centre back on the bench.

“It's unlucky for Declan that he didn't make the 18 but he kind of understood. He's fitted into the group really well and he's going to push Denver really hard for that place.”

Sunderland won 1-0 thanks to Chris Maguire’s brilliant strike in the 81st minute against Ipswich Town, the Black Cats moving into sixth.