Jake Clarke-Salter sidelined as Sunderland take on Aston Villa

Posted Tuesday, March 06, 2018 by PA

Defender Jake Clarke-Salter will be missing once again as Sunderland attempt to haul themselves from the foot of the Sky Bet Championship table against promotion-chasing Aston Villa.

Clarke-Salter, on loan at the Stadium of Light from Chelsea, serves the second instalment of a three-match ban following his dismissal against Middlesbrough last month.

Midfielder Ovie Ejaria returned from a thigh problem at Millwall on Saturday, but Kazenga LuaLua missed out with an ankle injury and will hope to be available this time around.

Manager Chris Coleman, who will once again be without Paddy McNair (groin), made six changes at the weekend as Jason Steele, Tyias Browning, Ejaria, Aiden McGeady, Callum McManaman and Ashley Fletcher all returned to the starting line-up.

Villa boss Steve Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed over midfielder Jack Grealish as he prepares for his return to Wearside.

Grealish has not played since damaging a calf muscle during the 2-0 derby victory over Birmingham on February 11, but has made good progress and is close to a return.

On-loan Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has been struggling with a hamstring strain, but could also make the squad.

However, Bruce has a doubt over Alan Hutton, who suffered a hamstring injury in the 4-2 win at Sheffield Wednesday last time out.