Joe Gelhardt is a fresh injury doubt for Sunderland going into this weekend's trip to West Bromwich Albion - but Edouard Michut is expected to return. The Black Cats head to The Hawthorns to take on the Baggies on Sunday lunchtime in a game that could have major consequences for both clubs' play-off ambitions, but Tony Mowbray is battling an injury crisis.
Skipper Danny Batth has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after picking up a knee injury in the midweek draw against Huddersfield Town, and now on-loan striker Gelhardt - who scored against the Terriers - is an injury worry although Mowbray is hopeful he will be fit to travel. The one chink of light is the return to training of French midfielder Michut, who missed the Huddersfield game with a back issue.
"It was Edouard's first day back in training today," said Mowbray. "He trained well.
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"I haven't made my mind up on the team yet, we rotated a few things around and had a look at one or two different things.
"Gelhardt didn't train today, he's had an ankle problem for a few weeks, but hopefully he will train tomorrow and come with us.
"It feels as though it is at both ends of the pitch where we have a few problems, but we generally find a way to come out and give a good account of ourselves and I'm sure we will."
With Batth injured, Sunderland have no senior specialist centre-halves available.
Aji Alese had already been ruled out for the rest of the season with a thigh injury, while Dan Ballard is not yet ready to be considered for a return from the hamstring injury he suffered while away with Northern Ireland - although there remains a chance that he might play a part in the final two games.
Mowbray said: "It [bringing Ballard back] is not an option for this game.
"I spoke to him today and it is not going to happen this weekend.
"He might have a few days training before the next game, we'll have to wait and see, but that will depend on his progress because it's a daily assessment for him, really.
"At this moment he is not training with the group and there are no plans for him to train with the group tomorrow.
"He won't be involved [tomorrow]."
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