Kevin Phillips believes keeping Luke O'Nien fit until the end of the season will be "really important" for Sunderland's promotion hopes. The Black Cats currently occupy the final League One play-off spot but know all that could change in the coming weeks.
Alex Neil's side could be dumped out of the play-off places by Sheffield Wednesday, who have a game in hand on the Black Cats. A draw would ultimately be enough to usurp the Wearsiders from their current position, due to the Owls superior goal difference.
The Wearsiders have been plagued by injuries once more this season, but a January collapse saw them wave goodbye to any automatic promotion hopes. That blunder cost Lee Johnson his job, but Neil has since steadied the ship and solidified Sunderland's defence.
