Lamine Kone and Paddy McNair are in contention to face Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night (KO 8pm).
McNair, 22, hasn’t featured since a 1-0 defeat to Barnsley on New Year’s Day, but he came through two under-23 games unscathed and bolsters Chris Coleman’s midfield options.
Likewise, Kone has an important role to play between now and the end of the campaign, with a ‘late decision’ set to made over Ovie Ejaria after the on-loan Liverpool man missed Saturday’s defeat.
Marc Wilson and Kazenga LuaLua will definitely miss the game, though, with Coleman providing the latest news at his pre-match press conference on Monday morning.
“Kaz got a kick on his ankle on Friday, and his ankle had been a problem even before then,” said the Sunderland boss.
“Marc Wilson is a no, but obviously Jonny Williams came on as a sub at the weekend and Callum McManaman was also in the squad so they are fine.”
He continued: “Paddy McNair is back, Lamine Kone is back, and they are both available to start.
“Ovie is training this morning [Monday]. He joined with a bit of a problem but he’s getting through it.
“I’m sure he’ll get through the session today but it is the reaction we have to wait for.
“That’s not me playing games, I genuinely can’t say if he’s going to be ready until he wakes up in the morning.”