Sunderland are without the recognised central defensive partnership of skipper Gary Breen and Scotland international Steve Caldwell for Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at home to non-league Northwich Victoria.

Sunderland midfielder Christian Bassila is likely to be missing for the Barclays Premiership to Fulham tomorrow after damaging a hamstring in training.

Sunderland 1 Aston Villa 3

Sunderland are strengthened by the return from injury of full-back Stephen Wright (knee ligament) and Christian Bassila (hamstring) for a crucial relegation clash with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy admits he is feeling the pressure of being at the “wrong end of the table” but refuses to accept tomorrow’s home game with Portsmouth should already be billed as a relegation scrap.

Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca is a major doubt for Sunday’s Barclays Premiership trip to derby rivals Newcastle.

Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca believes he has a “50-50 chance” of featuring in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle on Sunday.

Sunderland midfielder Christian Bassila has been forced to rule himself out of Sunday’s Barclays Premiership derby clash with Newcastle.

Sunderland 1 West Ham 1

Middlesbrough 0 Sunderland 2

Captain John Terry was included in the Chelsea line-up after recovering sufficiently from a knee injury to play against the Barclays Premiership’s bottom club at Stamford Bridge.

Sunderland’s new signing Christian Bassila could go straight into the squad for tomorrow's Barclays Premiership trip to Wigan.

Sunderland have signed former Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila on a two-year contract.

Sunderland have agreed to sign the Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila on a two-year contract.

Everton manager David Moyes is pondering a move for Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila.