Sunderland boss Jack Ross has revealed that important duo Alim Ozturk and Aiden McGeady don't have serious injuries despite missing recent friendlies.

Former Hearts man Ozturk managed to get through just 30 minutes against Darlington in the Black Cats first friendly and missed the one with Hartlepool.

However, Ross told the Sunderland Echo that it was a precautionary measure, although the news wasn't so good on Ireland international McGeady, however he could still be ready for the first game against Charlton.

"Alim picked up a knock on his hip the other day. I can’t afford too many injuries at this time so there has to be an element of protection as well."

"Aiden is still a couple of weeks away. He has still got a niggly calf problem so we have shut him down right now and we’ll see next weekend how he is."

Meanwhile, trialist Anton Forrester has also suffered an injury and Ross revealed that they will assess the striker in the coming days as his trial period was due to end.

The Verdict

The Black Cats don't have the biggest squad at the minute so losing key players to injury would be a real blow, although fortunately the injuries seem pretty minor.

Either way, given the amount of changes made to the squad this summer Ross will want everyone fit so the players can develop an understanding with their new teammates.

It will also frustrate the players who will want to be out there improving their fitness ahead of the new campaign.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.