Sunderland predicted line-up vs Burnley: Fresh injury problems to overcome for Mowbray
Sunderland head to league leaders Burnley on Friday with even more injury problems to overcome than before the international break.
Ballard (N Ireland) and Bennette (Costa Rica) have added to the long list of injuries from which Sunderland were already suffering.
Ballard is set to miss two to three weeks of action with a hamstring injury per Mowbray, whilst the head coach also confirmed that Bennette could miss the remainder of the season with a dislocated shoulder.
Sunderland were already without Ross Stewart, Corry Evans, Elliot Embleton and Aji Alese for the remainder of the campaign, whilst full back Niall Huggins continue their road to recovery. Dennis Cirkin could be fit to return, but Mowbray could take it slowly with him given how serious his concussion was.
The Black Cats face a tough test away to league leaders Burnley, with the hosts yet to lose at home this season.
Sunderland predicted line-up vs Burnley (4-2-3-1)
GK: Anthony Patterson – Will be looking to put his last performance behind him after conceding a poor one against Luton.
RB: Trai Hume – Came back from Northern Ireland duty unscathed after being an unused substitute in both their games.
CB: Danny Batth © – The stand-in skipper is set to make his 36th league appearance of the season, missing only three games through injury.
CB: Luke O’Nien – In the absence of the injured Ballard, O’Nien should slot in at centre back with limited options available.
LB: Lynden Gooch – Will play in an unfamiliar role in a makeshift back four after impressing there as a substitute against Luton.
CM: Dan Neil – Recently signed a new contract at the club and has been a mainstay in Mowbray’s midfield.
CM: Edouard Michut – Played his part for France U20s alongside Aboullah Ba and appears to have come back fit and ready to resume.
RM: Patrick Roberts – Sunderland’s most threatening player when the ball is at his feet.
AM: Amad Diallo – Abdoullah Ba will be unlucky to drop out after scoring whilst away on international duty for France U20’s, but it's hard to see him keeping Amad out of the side.
LM: Jack Clarke – Should be raring to go after the international break after looking a little tired prior to the break.
ST: Joe Gelhardt – Scored an excellent goal in training and will be hoping to take that confidence it into the game.
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