The Frenchman twisted an ankle in Saturday's 1-0 win at Bolton and is rated at 50-50 at best, while Kieran Richardson is struggling with a dead leg suffered in the same game.
Andy Reid missed the trip to the Reebok Stadium with a thigh problem, but was expected to resume training today, while keeper Craig Gordon was on the bench at the weekend as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Summer signing Paulo da Silva is working his way back to full match fitness, while Paul McShane remains on the sidelines after knee surgery.
Black Cats (from): Fulop, Gordon, Carson, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, Nosworthy, Da Silva, McCartney, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson, Reid, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Henderson, Tainio, Edwards, Bent, Jones, Campbell, Healy.
