Adam Matthews will miss Sunderland’s Carabao Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday on Thursday evening.
The defender picked up a knock during the Lads’ 1-1 draw with Luton Town last weekend, but Jack Ross is hopeful the Welshman will return to face Scunthorpe United on Sunday.
Reece James, who was back in action with the under-23s on Monday, is likely to feature against the Owls, while Ethan Robson could also be involved after returning to training.
Speaking ahead of the cup clash, Ross provided the latest.
“Adam Matthews definitely won’t be involved,” confirmed the manager,
“He actually did well to get through the game on Saturday, as I thought he might have to go off at half-time, but he managed to get through it and hopefully he should be back for Sunday.”
He continued: “We also have to manage Glenn Loovens, as it’s a big ask for him now to play three games in a week.
“If you add that to what we already had, we are limited and that’s why I have to weigh up the risk I take with other players as well.
“Reece James will be back involved after he played 45 minutes for the under-23s, and he’ll very much come into contention as he needs games.
“Ethan trained on Tuesday for the first time, but he missed a lot of pre-season.
“He may be part of the squad but how we use him within the game, we’ll have to see.
“Everybody else remains as is, although we’ve got a few more absentees as well.”