The Black Cats were dealt a major blow this week with Watson ruled out for two months after suffering ankle and knee injuries in Tuesday’s draw with Bristol City.

With Romaine Mundle already sidelined with a hamstring injury, that leaves Le Bris short out wide in what is a busy and crucial spell of the season.

Abdoullah Ba is a natural winger, while Adil Aouchiche and Nazariy Rusyn have both played in wide roles in the past, but all three players are on the fringes at Sunderland and Le Bris all but confirmed they’ll be available to leave in January.