Tony Mowbray confirms two new Sunderland injury concerns ahead of Norwich City visit

Adil Aouchiche and Bradley Dack are doubts for Sunderland's clash against Norwich City this weekend after missing the 1-0 defeat to Leicester City.

Neither player was named in the matchday squad for the game, with Tony Mowbray confirming afterwards that they had picked up muscle injuries.

Mowbray had also expected to be without Dan Ballard, but the head coach praised the defender for his excellent performance.

"Adil is injured, he has a groin problem," Mowbray said.

"Bradley was also out injured, it's his hamstring.

"They didn't travel with us. We didn't think Dan Ballard was going to play yesterday because he didn't train, but he passed a fitness test on the afternoon of the game. I had a chat with him, back in my day I had to go and stand in the water at Redcar beach, and then I'd go and play!

"He's a warrior-like player for us and he went out and played immaculately, I thought. I want our young players at the club to be robust, get their boots on and play. Trai Hume played two or three games in the international break but is still going, covering his legs constantly in ice and sitting in ice baths to get through. He's in bits really and yet he was out there again playing for us tonight. We have to do that again in three days time."

One key positive for Sunderland at Leicester City wad Dennis Cirkin, who made his return from a hamstring injury as a second-half substitute. Dan Neil is also expected to be fit to face Norwich City after being substituted late in the game, with Mowbray confirming the issue was merely cramp.

It means Mowbray is likely to be picking from the same squad on Saturday afternoon, with Aji Alese still around a fortnight away from returning.

Eliezer Mayenda is likely to step up his recovery from injury by making his second appearance in the U21 side when Spurs visit Eppleton on Friday night. Jay Matete and Corry Evans remain the clubs two longer-term injury absentees.