O'Shea and Giaccherini return as trio miss out.
John O'Shea has returned to fitness ahead of Saturday's clash with Leicester City (KO 3pm).
Emanuele Giaccherini is also a surprise inclusion in Dick Advocaat's squad, with the Italian international initially thought to be out for the remainder of the campaign.
Two players who are expected to miss the Black Cats' final three matches are Jordi Gomez and Wes Brown, with the head coach revealing that Liam Bridcutt is likely to start in place of the Spaniard.
“We have some problems,” said Advocaat when asked about the latest team news. “Jordi Gomez, Jack Rodwell and Wes Brown will not be involved.
“John O’Shea is back and so is our Italian friend, Emanuele Giaccherini.”
He added: “O’Shea trained on Thursday and Friday but Wes gave so much last weekend that he needs a little break.
“He has some problems with his knee and we don’t know exactly how long it will take, but Jordi will be out for at least six weeks so both are probably out for the season.”
John O'Shea has returned to fitness ahead of Saturday's clash with Leicester City (KO 3pm).
Emanuele Giaccherini is also a surprise inclusion in Dick Advocaat's squad, with the Italian international initially thought to be out for the remainder of the campaign.
Two players who are expected to miss the Black Cats' final three matches are Jordi Gomez and Wes Brown, with the head coach revealing that Liam Bridcutt is likely to start in place of the Spaniard.
“We have some problems,” said Advocaat when asked about the latest team news. “Jordi Gomez, Jack Rodwell and Wes Brown will not be involved.
“John O’Shea is back and so is our Italian friend, Emanuele Giaccherini.”
He added: “O’Shea trained on Thursday and Friday but Wes gave so much last weekend that he needs a little break.
“He has some problems with his knee and we don’t know exactly how long it will take, but Jordi will be out for at least six weeks so both are probably out for the season.”