SAM ALLARDYCE has revealed the blow of losing Lee Cattermole for this weekend’s visit of Southampton has at least been followed by a quadruple boost in other areas of the squad.

The Black Cats trained at the Stadium of Light this morning ahead of the visit of the Saints and the session saw the return to action of four of his injured players.

John O’Shea, Younes Kaboul, Fabio Borini and Ola Toivonen all came through the morning unscathed and, provided there are no set-backs on Friday, will be in contention to face Southampton.

All four missed the 6-2 defeat at Everton last Sunday, when Allardyce was forced in to a change of system because of the number of absentees. O’Shea and Kaboul’s return from respective hamstring and groin problems should mean reverting back to a four man defence.

Allardyce said: "The four lads all trained today with no reaction. They will be available for selection on Saturday."

But the game – as Sunderland look to climb out of the relegation zone by winning a rare second home game in a row – will be too soon for Cattermole.

The former Middlesbrough midfielder had to limp off at Goodison Park in the first half after an ankle problem worsened. He has visited a specialist and it is hoped he will return for the trip to Crystal Palace on November 23.

Allardyce added: "I don't think Lee's injury is that serious, but he won't be fit for the weekend.

"I expect him to be fit when the players get back from international duty the week after next. We don't play again until the Monday, so he's got enough time to recover and I expect him to return for that game."

Allardyce also admitted that Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt's loan to Leeds United is on the verge of collapse.

Bridcutt was due to complete the move today but Allardyce revealed there is still work to be done.

The Sunderland boss said: "It looks like it's confused, like Leeds seem to be. It doesn't look like it's going through because he turned up here for training today. I'll have to pick the phone up and speak to (Leeds manager) Steve Evans about it."