Sunderland are preparing for one of their toughest Championship fixtures yet.
The Black Cats are set to host Leeds United this evening, with Mike Dodds taking charge as interim head coach for the second time.
The Wearside outfit had fallen out of the play-off positions prior to Tony Mowbray’s sacking, but an impressive win over West Brom at the weekend has sent them back up to sixth place.
Sunderland will be full of confidence after Saturday’s performance, but they will need to be at their very best to beat Leeds.
Daniel Farke’s side started off the campaign slowly but have really got going now, losing only one of their last eleven games.
The Whites sit third in the Championship and will be desperate to close the gap between themselves and the automatic spots.
While both sides will be vying for victory, they are also both struggling with a number of injury problems that have plagued them in the first four months of the season.
Heading into tonight’s game, we take a look at all the current injuries in each squad…
Sunderland – six ruled out, one doubt
Corry Evans remains on the sidelines for the long term after sustaining knee ligament damage in January.
Back in November, the midfielder said that he was hopeful he would return to training ‘in about five or six weeks’.
Aji Alese is also a long-term injury and has spent most of the year on the treatment table, however he looks to be closer to a return than his teammate. The defender is currently training with the U21s.
Elliott Embleton ended his loan spell at Derby County early after suffering a thigh injury, which will see him out of action for another lengthy period.
Meanwhile, Timothee Pembele is back in training and could make his Sunderland debut this month, but he has been ruled out of tonight’s game.
Jewison Bennette hasn’t featured since picking up a virus on international duty, before picking up a knock that will keep him out tonight.
Dennis Cirkin is also out with a hamstring injury, after missing out on the last five games.
Jay Matete is the only doubt, having picked up an injury during pre-season. The midfielder is back in training, though it is unclear whether he will be fit enough for a place on the bench.
Leeds United – six ruled out, one doubt
Leeds United were dealt a fresh blow in their win over Blackburn Rovers, with Patrick Bamford missing out due to illness. Daniel Farke said the striker hadn’t trained yet as of yesterday, and is likely to be left out of their trip north.
The Whites boss also confirmed that Sam Byram had picked up a hamstring problem that will keep him out for a few weeks, while Jamie Shackleton will be out with a glute injury.
Ian Poveda is currently preparing for a friendly against Mexico with the Colombia squad that is due to take place this weekend, meaning he will also be unavailable.
Junior Firpo is out until the end of the month with a hamstring problem, while Stuart Dallas remains a long-term absentee.
Finally, Luke Ayling is a doubt after missing the Blackburn game with a knee issue.