Arca back for Wearsiders

Midfielder Julio Arca returns to the Sunderland squad for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership trip to Charlton after more than two months on the sidelines with a fractured toe.

The Argentinian, who has made just one appearance as a substitute since September 25, is back in contention, as is goalkeeper Kelvin Davis with manager Mick McCarthy considering ending teenager Ben Alnwick’s five-game run in the side.

However, midfielder Tommy Miller (hamstring) and full-back Stephen Wright (calf) remain doubts, while Alan Stubbs (groin), Stephen Elliott (back) and Chris Brown (ankle) are definitely out.

Provisional squad: Davis, Alnwick, Hoyte, Nosworthy, Caldwell, Breen, D Collins, Bassila, Arca, Whitehead, Lawrence, Welsh, Woods, Leadbitter, Stead, Gray, Le Tallec.