Sunderland are set to hand late fitness tests to three players ahead of tonight’s clash with Nottingham Forest in the Sky Bet Championship, reports Sky Sports.  

Simon Grayson will be hoping to welcome back the influential Aiden McGeady, along with Lee Cattermole and Lamine Kone, who have been struggling with groin injuries.

McGeady picked up an injury on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, which forced the winger to miss Sunderland’s clash with Sheffield United on Saturday, but he is expected to once again miss out, despite the Black Cats handing him a fitness test.

Cattermole was also absent from that clash with Sheffield United, whilst Kone was forced from the field at half-time, as Grayson’s side suffered a third consecutive defeat.

Sunderland’s slump in form has seen them slip down the Sky Bet Championship table, with Grayson’s side entering tonight’s clash with Forest in 20^th, just one point outside the relegation zone.

Grayson’s men picked up five points from their opening three fixtures of the season, but have failed to pick up a single point since mid August, losing to Leeds United, Barnsley and Sheffield United.

Following tonight’s clash with Forest, Sunderland face a tricky end to the month, with fixtures against Hull City, Cardiff City, Ipswich Town and Preston North End.

The Verdict

Grayson will be sweating on the fitness of a key trio heading into tonight’s clash with Nottingham Forest, and the Sunderland boss will be praying Cattermole, Kone and McGeady all pass their respective fitness tests.

McGeady looks unlikely to play, but Cattermole and Kone will both be key for Sunderland against Forest, with the duo an influential part of the team’s spine.

Ahead of a difficult month, Sunderland need to return to winning ways as soon as possible, with it absolutely vital that Grayson’s side don’t continue their losing streak.

Sunderland fans… Let us know your thoughts!