It's safe to say that it's not been the start that Phil Parkinson would have first hoped for with Sunderland as they take a break from club action this week.

Parkinson has seen just two wins in charge of the Black Cats, and he'll know that performances simply have to improve if they're to mount a serious challenge for promotion into the Championship this term.

Sunderland were recently dumped out of the EFL Trophy after a defeat to League Two side Scunthorpe United, where Parkinson's men were comfortably beaten by three goals to nil.

But Parkinson can't be blamed for all of their recent performances, with some key players not being available for selection due to injury problems.

The Sunderland boss will be hoping that the international break can provide the perfect opportunity for some of his key players to step up their recovery efforts.

We take a look at some of the injuries that Parkinson is currently having to deal with heading into the international break.

Duncan Watmore

There had been previous concerns over Watmore's fitness, with the winger missing games earlier in this year's campaign with a virus.

But the 25-year-old returned to the first team squad for their game against Scunthorpe United, and came through 74 minutes of action which will be pleasing to see for Phil Parkinson and the club's supporters.

Watmore has made just eight appearances so far this season, and will be hoping he can recapture his best run of form heading towards the potentially season-defining festive period.

Lynden Gooch

Gooch hasn't featured since Sunderland's 5-0 win over Tranmere Rovers after picking up a twisted ankle.

Parkinson had previously revealed that the 23-year-old was still likely to be sidelined with the injury for the next couple of weeks in late October.

But with Sunderland's game against Bristol Rovers this weekend being postponed due to international call-up's, it could be the perfect opportunity for Gooch to step up his recovery and potentially be in line to return for their next game against Gillingham in their FA Cup Replay on 19th November.

Lee Burge 

The shot-stopper had previously been ruled out with a thigh strain, but returned to the starting XI for the game in the EFL Trophy in midweek.

Some of the performances from Jon McLaughlin have been far from convincing, so Parkinson will be delighted to see Burge return to the side ahead of the international break.

He'll be hoping to pick up some form as Sunderland head into the festive period, which could make or break their season in League One.