Jan Kirchhoff won’t feature against Everton this weekend despite returning to training.
The German hasn’t featured since December’s narrow defeat to Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, but he’s nearing a competitive return after linking up with his team-mates earlier this week.
Meanwhile, David Moyes admits he has a decision to make between the posts with Jordan Pickford once again available for selection.
And speaking pre-match, the Sunderland boss explained the dilemma posed by the England international’s return to fitness.
“I have a choice to make over the goalkeepers because Jordan Pickford is now back in training,” said the Scot. “I’m very fortunate to have two very good 'keepers and it’s the sort of decision you want to have.
“We have to see if Jordan’s ready because he’s been out for a while, but he’s training and he looks fine.”
He continued: “Jan Kirchhoff has been training this week but he’s not quite ready to play.
“He needs more training because as we know he’s been out for the best part of eight to ten weeks, so we’ll give him another week in training and see how he is.
“Steven Pienaar has a little bit of problem with his calf, but apart from that we’re okay.”
