Sunderland boss Jack Ross can't have been pleased when his side were held to a draw with Walsall in the FA Cup, which added another fixture to the list across a hectic festive period. 

The Black Cats will be hoping to get the job done in a ruthless manner tomorrow evening, with the winner of this tie facing Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the competition.

Ross has provided an injury update ahead of the game against Walsall on Tuesday evening, and they are set to be without one of their key men.

Adam Matthews is set to miss out as he continues his recovery from injury, and the Sunderland boss revealed via the Sunderland Echo that the defender is making progress in his recovery efforts.

"He'll be unavailable tomorrow but it's not too bad. It's better than we anticipated at the time."

But Ross stated that Duncan Watmore is back in the squad for the replay, and he will be looking to step his recovery from a long-term knee injury which has kept him sidelined for the majority of the last two years.

"Duncan will be back in the squad and it was our intention to have him involved. He's in the squad as planned and that opportunity will be good for us."

The Verdict: 

Watmore's return is a welcome boost for Jack Ross' side.

He can play a crucial role in their promotion challenge this season and arguably has the ability to be playing at a higher level than Sunderland are currently playing in.

Matthews' absence is a frustrating one but Ross will be keen not to rush him back into action for this one, in a game that the Black Cats will be expected to progress to the next round.