Sunderland v Man Utd team news, Martinez available, Ballard banned, Sesko a doubt | OneFootball

Sunderland return to Premier League action on Saturday when Manchester United visit the Stadium of Light, with a top-half finish and potential European qualification still in play.

According to Sunderland Echo, United are in excellent form under Michael Carrick and are close to securing Champions League football. Both Carrick and Régis Le Bris have near full-strength squads, though there could be key absentees.

Lisandro Martinez is available after serving a three-game ban for violent conduct, imposed after he was judged to have pulled the hair of Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He is likely to go straight back into the XI.

The FA has rejected Sunderland’s appeal, so Dan Ballard begins a three-game suspension for violent conduct on Saturday. That leaves Le Bris with a significant call at centre-back and right-back.

Benjamin Sesko is a doubt after being withdrawn at half time last week having aggravated a pre-existing shin issue when he collided with advertising hoardings during the win over Liverpool. If he is absent, Amad could return to the starting XI.

Nilson Angulo trained this week and is available to rejoin the squad. Le Bris has hinted he will initially be used as an impact substitute.

Source: Sunderland Echo