Sunderland first-team coach Charlie Oatway has revealed that Lee Cattermole, Adam Johnson and Wes Brown are doubtful for their side's FA Cup clash against Fulham.
Cattermole has missed the Black Cats' last four matches with a groin injury, while Johnson and Brown sustained knocks in Gus Poyet's men's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing in the Premier League.
Oatway told the club's official website: "Lee Cattermole and Adam Johnson are both struggling with these little niggly injuries so it is very unlikely that they will take part in the game.
"Hopefully both of them will be fit to take part in training next week, but we can't take the risk and we need to make sure they're 100% fit before they return.
"Wes Brown also has a bit of a knock so we will assess him on Friday, but other than that we're okay."
Sunderland face the Cottagers in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.