Colin Healy (Broken leg): Progressing well.
Jason McAteer (Dead Leg): Had a dead leg for the West Ham game, but should be fit for the visit of Stoke.
Julio Arca (Strained knee ligaments): It would seem that the injury feared serious against Preston, caused minimum damage. Mick McCarthy could be boosted by the return of Julio Arca for Sunderland's away clash at Reading (Sat 20th).
Matt Piper (Knee ligament): Matt got 10 minutes against West Ham and also played 60 minutes for the reserves earlier that week. It would seem that the injury nightmare is over for Matt and now only needs to build on his fitness.
Mark Rossiter (Knee ligament): Has started running and light training.
Marcus Stewart (Abdominal strain): Missed the home match against West Ham and will face a late fitness test before Tuesday's game with Stoke.
Tommy Smith (Bruised toe): Tommy Smith is suffering from a bruised toe that he picked up against Sunderland's 2-0 win against West Ham. Tommy has declared he will play through the pain barrier, but the question is whether Mick McCarthy will risk Tommy when Darren Byfield is available.