Sinclair in contention for Oxford against former club Sunderland

Posted Thursday, February 07, 2019 by PA

Jerome Sinclair could line up against former employers on Saturday as Oxford welcome League One promotion contenders Sunderland to the Kassam Stadium.

The 22-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at the Stadium of Light from parent club Watford, joined the U’s on a similar basis on deadline day and was handed a debut in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Burton.

Midfielder Marcus Browne could return to the squad after missing the last two games with a hamstring strain, but Mark Sykes is a doubt after damaging a knee in a training ground collision with a goal post.

Shandon Baptiste, Rob Hall and Jon Obika remain on the long-term casualty list.

By contrast, Sunderland are firmly engaged in the race for a swift return to the Sky Bet Championship and will hope their deadline-day capture of Wigan striker Will Grigg will provide fresh impetus.

Grigg, who could eventually cost the club £4million, was drafted in to plug the gap left by top scorer Josh Maja when he headed for Bordeaux and could make his first appearance for the Black Cats after shaking off an ankle problem.

Lynden Gooch will return to the squad after missing last Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Wimbledon for personal reasons, with his wife due to give birth, but fellow midfielder Lee Cattermole will miss out with an ankle injury.

Manager Jack Ross handed debuts to new signings Grant Leadbitter and Lewis Morgan from the start and Kazaiah Sterling from the bench against the Dons.