LEE CATTERMOLE, Adam Johnson and Wes Brown are all set to miss Sunderland's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Fulham because of injury.

Cattermole and Brown have both sustained minor knee injuries, while Johnson is struggling with a calf complaint.

None of the problems are thought to be that serious, but it is unlikely that any of the trio will be risked as the Black Cats look to reach the fifth round of the Cup at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

“There are one or two issues on the injury front," said assistant manager Charlie Oatway, who stood in for Gus Poyet at today's pre-match press conference. "Adam has a bit of a calf problem, Wes has a knock to his knee and Lee has also got a bit of a problem with his knee. We are still monitoring those.

"Lee will be struggling for the weekend but it is not a major concern. We are confident he will be ready for next week."

Jermain Defoe made his Sunderland debut at Tottenham last weekend, and having gone four months without a competitive game prior to his arrival on Wearside, the England international is likely to remain in the starting line-up as he sharpens up his match fitness.

"He will probably play," said Oatway. "He looks good in training and although he had an injury before he came here, he is ticking over nicely.

"We need to be careful with him but I am sure he will take part in some capacity on Saturday."