LYNDEN GOOCH is set to return from injury when Sunderland look to keep their push for the top-two on track when they travel to promotion rivals Portsmouth this evening.
The Black Cats head to Fratton Park looking to close the five-point gap that currently separates them from the automatic-promotion positions, and should have Gooch back in the fold.
The American suffered a calf injury in this month's win over Swindon, but was part of the Sunderland squad that have travelled south.
Conor McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan and Bailey Wright are not expected to be involved tonight, but all three should return within the next couple of weeks.
Sunderland boss Lee Johnson said: "I expect to have Gooch back. He trained (yesterday) but we will check on him (this) morning.
"We have a fair few boys heading in the right direction which is important, and we are in a good place if you fast-forward two weeks’ time."
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