Sunderland and Brighton team news as eight out and four doubts for Stadium of Light meeting | OneFootball

Sunderland aim to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat to Port Vale when Brighton visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Only three points and three places separate the sides in the Premier League as both push for a top-half finish.

According to Sunderland Echo, both Regis Le Bris and Fabian Hurzeler are managing significant absences, though Sunderland should have a stronger squad than at Vale Park.

Brian Brobbey has returned to training and, if he comes through Friday's session unscathed, he will be in contention. That would be a major lift for the Black Cats.

Bertrand Traore is sidelined with a knee problem. Surgery has been avoided for now, but he is expected to miss six to eight weeks, leaving his season in doubt.

Kaoru Mitoma injured his ankle in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal and went off at half-time. The problem was not thought to be serious, yet he remains a major doubt for this match.

Robin Roefs has a minor hamstring issue and will miss the game, so Melker Ellborg will start a third successive match. Roefs is on track to resume training next week and should be back for the Tyne-Wear derby.

Source: Sunderland Echo