Sunderland vs Preston North End - Steele to sit out Sunderland’s Preston clash

Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by PA

Sunderland goalkeeper Jason Steele will sit out Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Preston through suspension.

Steele was sent off for handling outside his area during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at QPR and January signing Lee Camp is in line to deputise with Robbin Ruiter still recovering from a dislocated finger.

Central defender Jake Clarke-Salter is available after completing a three-match ban, but midfielder Jonny Williams has been ruled out for a month with a torn thigh muscle.

Darron Gibson, like Marc Wilson, has returned to training after a groin problem, but remains some way from match fitness, while Tyias Browning, Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore continue their respective recoveries.

Preston defender Greg Cunningham is a major doubt after picking up a hamstring injury during last weekend’s last-gasp 2-1 home defeat by Fulham.

Either Calum Woods, who replaced him at half-time, or Josh Earl is likely to stand in if he is not fit.

Striker Louis Moult missed the Fulham game through illness, but has since returned to training and is expected to be available.

Midfielders Tom Clarke and Paul Gallagher were unused substitutes after shaking off injuries and will hope to figure in manager Alex Neil’s thinking this time around.