LEE CATTERMOLE will not be risked in Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie with Leeds United after being struck with a groin problem.

The tough tackling midfielder had to miss the defeat at Manchester City on New Year’s Day with the problem and has not been training since the goalless draw at Aston Villa last Sunday.

But rather than risk making the situation worse, Gus Poyet is prepared to allow the former Wigan and Middlesbrough man some extra recovery time in the hope he faces Liverpool at the Stadium of Light a week on Saturday.

Poyet does have Liam Bridcutt available again, who was forced off at Villa with concussion after feeling the full force of Christian Benteke’s knee in his face. Bridcutt could return to the midfield against Leeds, despite Jack Rodwell’s impressive display at City.

The Sunderland boss said: “Liam is back. The protocol in England about head injuries means he is fit for Friday to train. We have respected all the rules. Lee is not training and he will not be available for Sunday. We will reassess next week, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday.”

Approaching 6,000 Leeds fans will head for Wearside on Sunday in the hope of seeing the Championship side knock their Premier League counterparts out of the competition.

It is a tie which brings back memories of Sunderland’s FA Cup final success in 1973 over Don Revie’s mighty Leeds.

Poyet said: “It’s a special game. It will always be a special situation between two teams who played a final, even if it was a long time ago.

“How many supporters in the stadium will have been to the final? I don’t think too many, but people will talk about it. We know how important it is for us and for the Leeds fans. We need to win football games at home and hopefully we can produce a home win.”