Sunderland vs Fleetwood Town - Jack Ross has plenty of options for Fleetwood clash

Sunderland boss Jack Ross will have competition for places as he considers his options for Saturday’s League One clash with Fleetwood.

Defenders Glenn Loovens and Adam Matthews have both returned to training after recovering after injury and are in contention for the visit of Joey Barton’s side to the Stadium of Light.

Tom Flanagan, Jerome Sinclair and Charlie Wyke, who were all involved in Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Stoke Under-21s, have suffered no reaction and will hope to force their way into Ross’ starting line-up.

Midfielder Max Power starts a three-match ban after failing in an appeal to have his red card against Oxford last weekend overturned, while Aiden McGeady and Duncan Watmore are making progress, but are still not ready to return.

Fleetwood will be without winger Wes Burns after he too appealed unsuccessfully against a sending-off.

Burns was dismissed for a challenge on Bradford’s Adam Chicksen during last Saturday’s 2-1 home win and will now sit out for three matches.

Barton will otherwise have a full squad to choose from with Bobby Grant, Kyle Dempsey, Cian Bolger, Gethin Jones and Eddie Clarke not even making the bench last weekend.

The Cod Army will arrive on Wearside unbeaten on the road in the league so far this season and sitting in sixth place in the table, three points worse off than the Black Cats in fourth.