SUNDERLAND have been boosted by the availability of Patrick Roberts for Tuesday night's game against Preston, with the winger having quickly recovered from the injury that forced him off against Cardiff City at the weekend.
Roberts had to be replaced in the first half of Saturday's 2-1 win over the Bluebirds, but Regis Le Bris eased concerns afterwards when he said he didn't think the injury was serious.
And Sunderland's head coach has now confirmed Roberts will be fit to feature against North End.
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"It's good news for us," he said.
“Patrick is fine and will be available tomorrow.
“He only played 25 minutes on Saturday so I think he will be fine to start the game, but we will see tomorrow.
“Pat is very important for us. He receives the ball under pressure and can change the tempo of the game. He can solve tough situations alone and with combination play.
“Riggy came on in his place and did well. It’s a question of consistency about the way of playing over the course of the game.”
Tuesday's game is the final Championship fixture before the cut-off for suspensions, with Jobe Bellingham one yellow card away from having to serve a two-match ban.
Bellingham has avoided a booking for the last three games after picking up three yellow cards in five matches prior to that. But Le Bris must now decide whether to take the safe option with Bellingham and rest him for Tuesday's game.
"He has managed the situation very well so far,” Le Bris said.
“We’ll see tomorrow but it’s part of the situation you have to manage over a season. It’s not a major focus for us.”
