Sunderland vs Leeds United team news as nine out and three doubts | OneFootball

Leeds United return to Premier League action at Sunderland after Christmas, with both camps managing significant absences at the Stadium of Light.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, a combined nine players are out and three are doubts for Sunday, with the Africa Cup of Nations adding to injuries. On Saturday, Sunderland drew 0-0 at Brighton, while Leeds beat Crystal Palace 4-1.

For Leeds, Lukas Nmecha is a doubt. The striker has missed the last three matches with a hamstring problem and was still symptomatic before Palace. He now has a full week to push his fitness.

Sunderland doubts include Aji Alese, who has not played since breaking his leg against Stoke City in January, then had shoulder surgery in the summer. Ahmed Abdullahi, signed from Gent, has yet to feature, with both players recovering from fresh issues last month.

Luke O'Nien is out as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension following his straight red in the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

Habib Diarra, a player Leeds wanted in the summer but not at Sunderland’s club-record £30m price, has been sidelined since September with a groin injury in training. He returned for 26 minutes at Brighton and is now set to link up with Senegal for the tournament in Morocco.

Winger Chemsdine Talbi is also out on international duty, one of six Sunderland players at the Africa Cup of Nations. He was an unused substitute for hosts Morocco in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Comoros.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk