Last Updated: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:34
Striker Darren Bent is winning his fitness battle as Sunderland boss Steve Bruce prepares for a hostile return to Wigan tomorrow.
Bent feared he could face a three-week lay-off after suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal last weekend but a scan this week revealed the problem is not serious and Sunderland's leading scorer is hopeful of starting at the DW Stadium.
Strike partner Kenwyne Jones remains sidelined as he serves the final game of a three-match ban but Michael Turner is available to return in defence after a one-game suspension.
Lee Cattermole misses the game against his former club as he continues his recovery from a knee injury while goalkeeper Craig Gordon is out for three months with a broken arm as Bruce prepares to make the trip to the Latics for the first time since he quit them at the start of the summer to take over at the Stadium of Light.