Sunderland v Man Utd team news: Martinez back, Ballard banned, Sesko doubt, Angulo available | OneFootball

Sunderland return to Premier League duty on Saturday, welcoming Manchester United to the Stadium of Light as they look to sustain a top-half push and keep European hopes alive.

The visitors arrive in excellent form under Michael Carrick, their win over Liverpool last week all but sealing Champions League football. According to Sunderland Echo, both Carrick and Régis Le Bris have close to full squads, although there are key updates in several positions.

Lisandro Martinez is available again after completing a three-game ban for violent conduct, imposed after he was judged to have pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. He is likely to return straight to the starting line-up.

Dan Ballard is out after the FA rejected Sunderland’s appeal this week, so he begins a three-game suspension on Saturday. That leaves Le Bris with a significant call at centre-back and right-back.

Benjamin Sesko is a doubt, having been withdrawn at half-time last week when a pre-existing shin issue was aggravated after he collided with advertising hoardings during the Liverpool win. If he misses out, Amad could return to the starting line-up.

Nilson Angulo has trained this week and is available to rejoin the squad. He is likely to be used initially as an impact substitute.

Source: Sunderland Echo