Team news: Trio in contention, Kone doubtful

Chris Coleman expects all three of his Deadline Day signings to be in contention for Saturday.

Ovi Ejaria, Ashley Fletcher and Lee Camp joined Sunderland on Wednesday as the Black Cats concluded their transfer business until the summer.

The trio, who all signed on loan, provide Coleman with options ahead of the final set of Sky Bet Championship fixtures, and the 47-year-old has admitted they are all fit and raring to go.

Coleman did, however, cast doubt over Lamine Kone’s availability for this weekend’s home fixture against Ipswich Town, revealing he is struggling with a knock.

“At the very least (with the dealings we have done) we are going to improve the environment,” he said.

“The personnel we have brought in will add value to the squad.

“At the stage we are at in the season there are enough games and enough points to play for to make sure we are going to be ok.

“We have got to make sure we are ok.

“Kaz (LuaLua) was fighting fitness so we put him on for 25-30 minutes against Birmingham.

“That will do him the world of good. Fletch played last week for 50 odd minutes so he is ok physically.

“Ovie played 90 minutes at the weekend for the under-23s. Jake (Clarke-Salter) is already here of course and Lee Camp has had five 90 minutes with the under-23s.

“They are all ready to play a big part at the weekend,” he continued.

“We went with Lamine (on Tuesday) and it was a tough one for him.

“He had a real bad fall on his knee and we thought he might have to come off but he got through it.

“He will be a big doubt for the weekend.”

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