Sunderland will be looking to move back into the play-off places this weekend, when they take on Southend United at the Stadium of Light. 

It's not been the start he would have hoped for Phil Parkinson, with his side struggling away from home, which is something he'll be keen to change at the earliest of opportunities.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Sol Campbell's side, Parkinson provided an injury update, and revealed that Duncan Watmore is being assessed going into the match.

"Joel Lynch is fine, Goochy isn’t on the grass, Burgey still has the problem with his thigh. Duncan Watmore had a virus and we will look at him closely tomorrow."

Watmore missed Sunderland's defeat to Oxford United in the Carabao Cup, and it seems as though he is in a race against time to be fit for their game this weekend.

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It's a game that Sunderland will be expected to pick up a much-needed win in, with Southend currently struggling to stay afloat in League One.

The Shrimpers occupy one of the relegation spots in the league table, and will be hoping that they can cause Sunderland some problems on Saturday.

But Phil Parkinson's side have ambitions of their own, and will be targeting promotion back into the Championship this season.

The Verdict: 

Burge's absence won't be as big of a miss as originally thought.

Jon McLaughlin put in a strong performance for Sunderland against Oxford United in the Carabao Cup, so I think he's good enough to fill the void left by Burge for this one.

Watmore's fitness update will be a concern for Parkinson as the winger has looked impressive in recent weeks. But again, Sunderland have more than adequate replacements to cope without him for this one.