TONY Mowbray expects to have both Amad Diallo and Alex Pritchard available for selection again within a week after the pair both missed the win at Norwich City.
Manchester United loanee Amad has had a scan on a hamstring issue but the results are positive and Mowbray thinks the youngster just needs a rest.
The duo might be fit to return to the squad for Wednesday night's game against Sheffield United but if that game comes too soon they're almost certain to be available for Saturday's game against Luton Town.
Mowbray said: "Amad is such an important footballer. Pritch has missed a fair bit of the season and yet he's a really talented boy. He has a big personality in the group. They're both big losses.
"How long? If they don't make Wednesday then they should be available for Saturday, but I don't know.
"I've spoken to Amad. He had a scan. There's no injury, there's no tear, there's no damage. The hamstring looks perfect.
"He's a lad who has never played three successive 90 minutes and he's played 32 of them or something like that. His body is telling him. He's cramping up, his hamstrings are tight, we need to give him a rest, take him off the grass for a few days, let him have a swim, have a massage and a rub down.
"In a week's time, I think he'll be out there flying again and finish the season strong for us."
READ MORE:
- Sunderland player ratings at Norwich City as brilliant spine leads the way
- Norwich City 0-1 Sunderland: Resilient Black Cats hit back in style at Carrow Road
There was some welcome good news on the injury front at Norwich, with Lynden Gooch returning to action from the bench, his first appearance since mid-January.
He helped Sunderland see out the impressive 1-0 success at Carrow Road.
Mowbray said: "I love watching Gooch and O'Nien. If you're a supporter, I think you should love the emotion and passion they bring to the team.
"Lynden, a tackle he made in the 80-something minute in front of the dugout was unbelievable. He doesn't pull out of anything. And O'Nien doing a header when they were both getting there at the same time. It was almost sad for the other kid because he got smashed, but it was just a competitive challenge and you just know he'll never pull out.
"I think they epitomise the fighting spirit of the team. I hope the team is recognised as a talented team of individuals and yet every team, if they're going to be successful, needs to have some grit and fighting spirit."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here