Sunderland will wrap up their regular Championship season with a home fixture against QPR at the Stadium of Light this Saturday.
The Black Cats aim to finish their league campaign on a positive note as they prepare to shift focus toward the upcoming play-offs. Saturday’s match offers them a final opportunity to build momentum before the high-stakes games ahead.
QPR, meanwhile, will arrive under interim leadership, with assistant coaches Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm taking charge after head coach Marti Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave earlier this week amid speculation linking him with roles at other clubs.
Both sides are dealing with a lengthy list of injuries and suspensions heading into the weekend. Here’s the latest team news as it currently stands…
1. Eliezer Mayenda – Available
Mayenda was spotted participating in training sessions in Portugal this week, a strong sign that he’s cleared the concussion protocol as the club had anticipated. He should be fit for this weekend’s game, and it will be interesting to see who gets the nod to lead the line for Sunderland.
2. Paul Smyth – Suspended
Smyth is serving a three-match suspension following a violent conduct incident that went unnoticed by match officials during the clash with Preston North End. Saturday marks the final match of his ban.
3. Dan Ballard – Doubt
Ballard’s involvement in training with teammates in Portugal is a major boost ahead of the play-offs. Le Bris is hopeful he’ll be at least available for selection this weekend, pending his progress in the final training sessions.
4. Romaine Mundle – Doubt
Mundle is recovering from a hamstring injury, but the club remains optimistic he’ll return in time for the play-offs. His presence on the training ground in Portugal is seen as a promising development.
5. Ian Poveda – Out
Poveda has endured an injury-plagued campaign and hasn’t started a single league fixture. Le Bris mentioned a possible early May return, but at present, it seems unlikely he’ll feature again this season. A return to training could happen next week.
6. Aji Alese – Out
Initially expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a leg injury, Alese might now be in contention for the play-offs, according to Le Bris. It would be a significant boost if he makes it, but the situation remains uncertain.
7. Jake Clarke-Salter – Out
The former Sunderland loanee, now an important figure at QPR, has been ruled out for an extended period due to a hip injury.
8. Zan Celar – Out
Celar continues to recover from a serious hamstring injury and remains a long-term absentee.
9. Steve Cook – Out
The seasoned defender has been missing since mid-March due to a foot injury and is not expected to return imminently.
10. Koki Saito – Out
Saito dislocated his shoulder in late April and has since consulted a specialist to determine if surgery is necessary. He has missed recent fixtures and is very unlikely to be involved in the next game.
11. Sam Field – Doubt
Field, a vital presence in midfield, has been nursing an ankle injury and may not be available this weekend.
12. Ahmed Abdullahi – Out
Sunderland believe the surgery to resolve Abdullahi’s persistent groin problem was successful, but the striker experienced pain during his return to full training. The club is proceeding with caution, and he’s unlikely to play again this season.
13. Alfie Lloyd – Out
Lloyd has been unavailable since early April due to a groin issue and is not expected back soon.
14. Niall Huggins – Out
Huggins, who has been sidelined following major knee surgery, has now resumed light training. Although a return for the play-offs is theoretically possible, the coaching staff is reluctant to take any risks given the severity of his injury layoff.
15. Jayden Danns – Out
Le Bris confirmed that Danns, dealing with a back issue detected during his medical, will not be fit to play any part this season.
16. Harvey Vale – Out
Vale joined QPR from Chelsea in January while recovering from a back injury. The club was aware upon signing him that he would not feature this season.
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