Stephane Sessegnon could return for Sunderland's home date with West Ham after being forced to sit out last weekend's FA Cup third round clash with Bolton with an ankle problem.
Carlos Cuellar, Wes Brown and Danny Rose will miss out, meaning Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon are likely to be paired together at the heart of the Black Cats' four as they attempt to negotiate a defensive injury crisis.
John O'Shea returned to training on Thursday, but is not 100 per cent, while new signing Alfred N'Diaye is availabe after receiving his international clearance.
New West Ham striker Marouane Chamakh goes straight into the Hammers squad for Saturday.
The 28-year-old Morocco international has been signed on loan from Arsenal and could make his debut at the Stadium of Light. Modibo Maiga is missing as he links up with Mali ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations while fellow forward Andy Carroll (knee) is also absent.
Defender Joey O'Brien remains a doubt with a hamstring problem but George McCartney (knee) is definitely out.
