Cattermole and James set to return for Wycombe clash

Jack Ross expects both Lee Cattermole and Reece James to return for the trip to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow.

The pair missed the 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, Cattermole with an ankle problem and James with a groin issue.

Both have returned to training.

“Lee and Reece trained on Thursday,” Ross said.

“George [Honeyman] I would expect to train today. We wouldn’t have done much regardless but he’s a lot better.

“Alim [Ozturk] didn’t travel on Tuesday due to a slight groin problem that will be probably rule him out tomorrow.

“Other than that, we’re pretty healthy.”

It leaves Ross with virtually a full squad to pick from, Chris Maguire the only longterm absentee due to a broken fibula.

Donald Love remains short of match fitness after injury and Ross suggested that the same applies to Bryan Oviedo, who will likely miss out on a place in the matchday squad.

“He’s been back training this week but he hasn’t played for a while now,” Ross said.

“So he’s playing a bit of catch up in that respect and obviously there’s real competition for places in that area of the pitch now.”

The Black Cats boss was encouraged by the response of Adam Matthews and Max Power on Tuesday night, after they replaced Cattermole and James in the starting XI.

It leaves Ross relaxed about the prospect of losing anyone from what has become a settled side.

“I tend not to think about [injuries] much but if I did the comforting thing would be that one, I’ve got quite a healthy squad and two, if you look at Tuesday night, Adam and Max, two players who I think a lot of and have done well for me this season, came in and were good,” he said. “So that’s comforting. “You know you’ve got not just what people would perceive as strength in depth, but actually players who when they get opportunities, play at the best.

“I thought the two of them were very good.”