Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has revealed that midfielder Jack Rodwell, winger Will Buckley and right-back Billy Jones might be available for selection for his side's Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Saturday.
However, the Uruguayan has no such good news about another Sunderland star, namely winger Emanuele Giaccherini, as the 29-year-old has undergone an operation to cure his ankle injury.
Giaccherini's injury flared up during an FA Cup fourth round replay win against Fulham earlier this month and the player has now been ruled out for a minimum of 12 weeks.
Both Rodwell and Buckley have also been out since the first match of the same tie in January, that resulted in a goalless draw, but are now nearing a full recovery.
Jones on the other hand missed last week's 0-0 draw against West Bromwich Albion, but has been improving on a daily basis, according to the manager.
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“Billy Jones will be touch and go so I don’t know if he is going to be available”, Poyet told his club's official site.
"We’re trying our best and he is much better, but we have to take the decision on a daily basis.
“Jack Rodwell has a chance to play and I hope Buckley does too – we have different players and sometimes there are a few that have something the rest don’t.
“I’m not saying that they’re definitely going to be there, but they have got a chance.”
As far as Giaccherini is concerned Poyet added:"It's tough but I think it's the risk of forward players.
"We need to be sure he is 100 per cent and we wish him well and hope he will make a full recovery."
The Black Cats are currently placed 16th in the league table with 25 points from 26 matches and are in desperate need of points to secure their Premier League status.
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