Four Stars Could Return For Sunderland

Sunderland have been handed a boost ahead of the clash with Leicester City on Saturday with the news that four first-teamers could be back in contention following a mixture of injury and suspension.

Despite ongoing concerns over Scotland striker Steven Fletcher, there's been some uplifting reports of players returning to action following a number of weeks spent in the treatment room.

Billy Jones, Ricky Alvarez and Emanuele Giaccherini have all stepped up their regimes in the hope of forcing their way back into the squad for what appears to be a crucial encounter in the East Midlands.

Jones' enforced lay-off has been keenly felt, with the club having to draft in free agent Anthony Reveillere to provide cover. Matters worsened when Patrick van Aanholt hurt his shoulder at Crystal Palace, which forced Reveillere into duty on the left instead.

Alvarez was beginning to get to grips with the English Premier League judging by a promising appearance in the home game with Swansea City, but has been ruled out since.

Meanwhile, Giaccherini has been plagued by injury problems this season and will be desperate to avoid further troubles in an effort to push himself into Gus Poyet's plans.

In addition, inspirational defensive midfielder Lee Cattermole will return from a one-match ban and he is almost certain to regain his spot in the side this Saturday.

Manager Poyet will hope they all come through training unscathed to offer him a plethora of options for the eagerly anticipated trip down to the King Power Stadium.