Jermain Defoe won’t feature in Sunderland’s EFL Cup tie at Queens Park Rangers after picking up a knock against Tottenham Hotspur.
The striker, who has found the net twice this season, will instead focus on ensuring he is available for selection when the Black Cats host Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Manager David Moyes also confirmed that Victor Anichebe isn’t ready to play a part at Loftus Road, with a young side expected to take on the Championship side.
“Jermain took a bit of an injury in the game – he’s got a knock – so he won’t go and more importantly I need to make sure he’s fit for the game at the weekend.
“Victor isn’t ready to play yet but he’s stepped up his training and he’s getting much closer to match fitness.”
He continued: “There will be some young boys involved but we’ve already had players such as Duncan Watmore, Lynden Gooch and Jordan Pickford play well.
“We have a young team so the addition of players like Lee Cattermole, Jan Kirchhoff and Steven Pienaar has given us more experience, but we’ve had a young side for most of the season and it will be the same tomorrow evening.”
UPDATE: Wahbi Khazri will also miss Wednesday's game.
