Sunderland boss Johnson has close to a full squad to pick from after COVID outbreak

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has close to a full squad to pick from for Saturday's trip to Northampton after his squad were decimated by COVID over the festive period.

On Monday, the Black Cats made the decision to postpone a fourth match, scheduled to be against Accrington on Tuesday, because of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Previous fixtures against Shrewsbury, Blackpool and Hull City were also all wiped out with up to 14 players testing positive for the virus.

However, the club appear to be over the worst of it and Johnson will have plenty of options to choose from when they return to action against the Cobblers on Saturday.

"Everybody has done their time," said Johnson. "We have a couple of players who are not 100 per cent but we don't believe they're a health risk.

"We've got one that had a bit of a double dip and that might become a bit clearer when you see the team selection. He probably could play but it's safer for him not to."

On the injury front, Denver Hume and Luke O'NIen were both ruled out until the New Year so Saturday's game is likely to come too soon for them.

Jordan Willis and Lynden Gooch were working their way back towards fitness before the break in fixtures and may return in some capacity. Arbenit Xhemajli is a long-term absentee, while youngster Benji Kimpioka won't return until the end of January.

Possible Sunderland team (4-3-3): Lee Burge; Conor McLaughlin, Bailey Wright, Tom Flanagan, Callum McFadzean; Grant Leadbitter, Max Power, Josh Scowen; Jack Diamond, Aiden McGeady, Charlie Wyke