Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray will have a week to prepare his squad for arguably their toughest test of the season when they face Premier League high-flyers Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
Despite a fantastic 2-0 win on derby day over rivals Middlesbrough, there were a few that went off and after Mowbray hinted that his side was 'stretched thin' before the clash last week, it could be even worse when they travel down to London to face the Cottagers.
Here's who's been taking up spaces on the Black Cats' injury tables and will miss out against Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend...
READ MORE: The options Sunderland's new 'box-to-box' midfielder Pierre Ekwah can offer Tony Mowbray
Corry Evans - knee
Evans was subbed off after just 10 minutes in the derby match against Boro, but Mowbray was reluctant to say it was a big deal, and hopes he'll be ok for Saturday's fixture.
What Mowbray said (Jan 22nd): "Corry took a knock on the outside of his knee. Fingers crossed it will be fine. It's the FA Cup next week anyway so we will make a call on Corry, but it's just a knock I think - no damage to cartilage or ligaments.
"Corry is a big player for this team. If you think about the likes of Danny Bath, Corry Evans and Ross Stewart, they have experience and they are surrounded by some young kids. It's important we keep him fit and going in the big games."
Potential return date: 28/01/23
Lynden Gooch - hip
Gooch was missing from the teamsheet in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough and Mowbray explained after the match that he was suffering from a hip issue.
What Mowbray said (Jan 22nd): "Goochy has a hip flexor problem. I was trying to cajole him two days ago that it would be alright! I've played with a load of hip flexor injuries.
"But the moment I knew he was going for a scan, that was the moment that I knew he probably wasn't going to play. Scans show everything!
"It'll probably be two or three weeks for him, they are saying. Twenty or 30 years ago we never had scans - I got sent to Redcar beach if I had a hip problem and I had to get in the sea past my waist and stand there for 20 minutes, and then I'd be alright for Saturday!
"That's how football used to be. Today, we just have to accept it. It is what it is."
Potential return date: 12/02/23
Alex Pritchard - calf
After attempting to return from a calf issue against Wigan last month, Pritchard was predicted by Mowbray to be back in training this week and could be fit enough for a substitute appearance this weekend.
What Mowbray said (Jan 22nd): "I think Monday is going to be a bright day for us because there will be potentially five players [including Pritchard] coming back for us, putting their boots on and training with the team."
Potential return date: 28/01/23
Dennis Cirkin - hip
Cirkin was forced off against Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day with a hip issue but could also make his return this weekend at Craven Cottage.
What Mowbray said (Jan 22nd): "I think Monday is going to be a bright day for us because there will be potentially five players [including Cirkin] coming back for us, putting their boots on and training with the team."
Potential return date: 28/01/23
Elliot Embleton - ankle
Embleton suffered bad ligament damage and a broken ankle in a challenge which saw him get sent off against Hull City. It's unlikely he'll play again this season but Mowbray remains hopeful he'll recover in time to have an impact.
What Mowbray said (Dec 25th): "Elliot is ok - he's a positive and chirpy guy. I think he'll get through his rehab no problem at all, I'm pretty sure.
"It's been a bit up and down for him since I've come in, he's played some and he's missed some. He's a passionate guy who wants to play for this club, and he's talented enough to get in this team. He's got two wonderful feet, it doesn't matter to him which one he shoots from or takes a corner from.
"He'll be positive around the building while he recovers I'm sure of that. Before we know it he'll be back, hopefully he can help us finish off our season and get himself feeling confident."
Potential return date: Unknown
READ NEXT:
Former Sunderland forward handed ban for FA betting rule breaches
Sunderland's player ratings so far - and what it tells us about Mowbray's transfer aims
Supercomputer delivers verdict on Sunderland's playoff chances after Middlesbrough win
Sunderland's homegrown talent Dan Neil beginning to find his feet in the Championship
New Sunderland signing Pierre Ekwah explains why he wanted Wearside switch
