TONY Mowbray has taken ill with a chest infection but Mark Venus hopes the head coach is well enough to be in the dugout for tomorrow night's game against Huddersfield Town.

Venus, who stepped in for Mowbray at Tuesday afternoon's press conference, insists the team's preparation for Wednesday night's game won't be impacted by the head coach's absence.

And the hope is Mowbray will be back fighting fit to lead the Black Cats for the visit of the Terriers.

"We're hoping he'll be able to take charge tomorrow," said Venus.

"He's got a chest infection but I think he'll be there, we obviously need him.

"We know how he wants to work and what he wants so it hasn't impacted us in terms of the build up and the preparation too much. If he's not there it won't be for the want of trying, but we're hopeful."

Mason Burstow is expected to be back in the squad on Wednesday after missing the Plymouth trip with a niggle and Chris Rigg is also available again after returning to training following his participation in the World Cup with England's Under-17s.

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Venus said: "Mason has been back training, only for a couple of days this week though. I expect he'll be in the squad.

"Chris has come back from the World with England. He's fine, he's trained today. He's been away, played some games in an intense environment with England, trying to win a World Cup.

"He's been under a bit of pressure. He's an amazing kid, his attitude is first class, he trains every day like he plays and he's part of the future. We have to mould him and bring him through.

"Chris is back into the groove of club football now. It's an amazing experience for him playing for England and hopefully he can go through all the age groups. That would be great for him, for us and the area. We're really happy with Chris."