Sunderland manager Jack Ross goes into tonight's League One fixture without winger Duncan Watmore, despite a decent performance in Tuesday night's draw against Blackpool, it has been reported by Chronicle Live.

The 24-year-old will not be risked following his first 90 mins since 2016, due to the heightened risk of re-injury following double ACL injuries over the last few seasons.

So how big a blow is the loss of Watmore?

We discuss.....

Louie Chandler

"It definitely is a blow.

"Ross has had a fair bit of trouble doing enough to win games recently so losing another attacking option is, of course, a blow.

"He has enough in his arsenal to win still, but it is something he could have done without. It's par for the course with an injury like that though."

Gary Hutchinson

“No, because it’s been agreed by the manager and Watmore.

“It isn’t an injury as I understand it, more a step on his rehabilitation.

“He’ll be mentally fitter for the break after a challenging couple of weeks.”

Jay Taylor

“It is somewhat of a blow, but it is not terminal.

“They have plenty of good players on their books, but the fact they have been a bit out of form maybe it is a positive that he is out.

“A change in personnel, be it one player, could change results.

“It might be a blessing in disguise, and it gives Watmore an important rest.”