Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Burton at The Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, an immediate return to The Championship via automatic promotion is still very much in Sunderland's hands, as they sit second in the League One table, a point ahead of Barnsley with a game in hand.

Things are not all perfect for the Black Cats, as they will have to do the next leg of that campaign at least without the services of midfielder Dylan McGeough.

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The 26-year-old limped out of that draw with Burton with a hip problem, and it appears that Saturday's visit of Coventry will come too soon for the midfielder.

Speaking in today's press conference ahead of the game, Sunderland assistant manager James Fowler confirmed that McGeough will miss the game, while Chris Maguire remains short of fitness despite returning to training.

Maguire has been a longer term absentee in the Sunderland squad, having not featured since fracturing his fibia against Gillingham in Ferbuary.

The Verdict

This is perhaps an indication of Sunderland's biggest concern between now and the end of the season.

There is no question they have the squad for promotion, but having already played so many games this season with the run to the Checkatrade Trophy final as well, those miles in the legs are going to start to tell in this final month, so keeping as many options available to rotate could be key to the Black Cats' hopes of a swift Championship return.

Thoughts? Let us know!