No return date for injured striker

Slaven Bilic has a tough decision ahead of the Sunderland game as he bids to pose major striking problems for Sam Allardyce’s Black Cats.

David Gold has this morning confirmed that Enner Valencia will be unavailable for the game and that leaves Slav with a choice between Andy Carroll and Emanuelle Emenike.

DG tweeted: Valencia will not be available for the Sunderland game.”

The Ecuador striker has damaged his ankle and the likelihood is that the Nigerian Emenke will start following his two goals last weekend with Carroll making his entrance from the bench.

Valencia  is understood to be training on his own having seen a specialist but that there is no decision on whether he will be available for the games against Spurs and Everton.

Winston Reid looks certain to return to the centre of defence but once again Slav faces a big decision in deciding who makes way for the Kiwi.