Reid expected back for Sunderland

Andy Reid is expected back to training with his Sunderland teammates today, after a thigh problem ruled him out of the trip to the Reebok Stadium.

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has a major doubt over midfielder Steed Malbranque ahead of tomorrow night’s Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea.

The Frenchman twisted an ankle in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bolton and is rated at 50-50 at best, while Kieran Richardson is struggling with a dead leg suffered in the same game.

Keeper Craig Gordon was on the bench at the weekend as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Summer signing Paulo da Silva is working his way back to full match fitness, while Paul McShane remains on the sidelines after knee surgery.

Provisional squad: Fulop, Gordon, Carson, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, Nosworthy, Da Silva, McCartney, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson, Reid, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Henderson, Tainio, Edwards, Bent, Jones, Campbell, Healy.