Sunderland could be without Jordan Willis for Saturday's clash with Blackpool.

The defender has been struggling with a knee injury during the last few weeks and is a bit doubt for the clash with the Seasiders.

In more positive news, Lynden Gooch could return to action after suffering an ankle injury in the 5-0 win over Tranmere Rovers at the end of October.

Speaking to the press, as quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Phil Parkinson said: "Jordan Willis opened his knee up slightly in training, so we’ll just have to monitor that closer to kick off.

“He’s just gone in for a challenge in training, it’s not serious.
“Dylan McGeouch has still got a problem with his calf, he came back into training but still wasn’t quite right so it will probably next week before we see him back on the training pitch.
“Lynden Gooch has trained the full week which is great to see.
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“Charlie has had a full week on the training pitch as well, so he’s ahead of where he was this time last week. I thought he came on and made a good contribution against Gillingham, and he’s chomping at the bit to get a starting berth.” While Dylan McGeouch is expected to miss out once again, the Black Cats could welcome Joel Lynch back into the side after admitting that he's struggled to settle into life in the North East. Speaking about Lynch, Parkinson said: "Joel has had a bit of illness and a few issues settling in as well in terms of moving from down south,” he said.
“He’s just had a young baby, so things have been tough for him settling up here.
“But he’s trained well and pushing for inclusion.” The verdict It's a bad time for Sunderland at the moment. Matters on and off the pitch have led to an incredibly negative atmosphere around the Stadium Of Light and it's showing little sign of easing. Blackpool are enjoying a decent season and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them pull off a good result on Wearside.