Sunderland are expected to be without captain John O’Shea when they travel to Reading on Saturday, Chris Coleman has confirmed.
The centre back was forced off against Norwich City on Tuesday due to problems with his back and groin, and the Canaries took advantage to snatch a late point at the Stadium of Light.
Marc Wilson and Paddy McNair both missed the midweek clash after starting at Leeds United, but both are expected to return to action on Saturday at the Madejski Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the game, Coleman provided the latest.
“I think Sheazy is going to struggle for Saturday,” said the Welshman.
“He did nothing yesterday and nothing today, he’s just been with the physios and the medical team.”
He continued: “It’s a great shame because with crucial games coming up, you want that experience.
“The way my brain works, analysing games all the time, had we had him on the pitch [against Norwich] for the last five minutes, just for his organisation, it could have been a lot different.
“His groin and his back were getting worse and worse during the game, and we couldn’t risk missing him for the rest of the season, so we had to bring him off and he’s unlikely to be available for Saturday.
“Paddy trained today, albeit under controlled circumstances, but he’s feeling good and he should train with us tomorrow, and if he gets through that he’ll be okay for Saturday.
“We also expect Marc Wilson to train with us tomorrow, providing he doesn’t have any bad reaction today.”