Defender ruled out for season

Denver Hume is a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Swindon Town.

The Sunderland defender has had a superb start to the campaign, but is understood to have picked up a minor knock in training earlier this week.

Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson is hopeful that the injury is ‘not too serious’, though it could prevent him from playing this weekend.

Hume is Sunderland’s only natural left-back in the squad and complicates Parkinson’s plans for the return to League One action even further.

Tom Flanagan is suspended, while youngster Morgan Feeney is a long-term absentee .

Sunderland are also without Arbenit Xhemajli, who will not play again this season after suffering a serious knee injury while on international duty with Kosovo U21s.

Phil Parkinson says it is ‘unlikely’ that Sunderland will add any permanent additions to their squad before today’s 5pm deadline.

But he is monitoring a number of free agent targets who can be signed after the summer window closes.

The Black Cats are eyeing defensive reinforcement s after injuries to Ar ben itXh em aj li and Morgan Feeney saw their options depleted.

And while Park in son will be trying to bring in new faces on today’s deadline, he admits securing a permanent addition looks unlikely.

Free agents, therefore, are being pursued – while loan deals also remain an option, although the salary cap will obviously come into play on both fronts.

"Obviously it [the injury to Xhemajli] leaves a gap, and with Morgan Feeney also out that leaves us light in terms of numbers,” he said.

"We do have people who can play at the back, Luke O’Nien and Conor McLaughlin, but it’s something we’re looking at.

“If it’s before Friday then good, but there are players out of contract who are available after Friday as well.”

"At the moment I’d say, before Friday, permanent deals are probably unlikely,” he continued.

"The more likely permanent deal is probably from an out of contract player next week.

"Like everybody, it’s really strange times in football. We’re waiting on this bailout to see what level of money is going to be given to us to help run the club.

"It’ s very difficult and strange times to be involved because there are bigger issues than bringing players in.”