Brighton are missing captain Lewis Dunk after he received a fifth booking of the season in the defeat at Liverpool last weekend.
Midfielder Diego Gomez is also suspended.
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler told Friday’s press conference that Solly March is nearing a return following eight months out with a knee injury.
“He is not for this weekend, but definitely closer,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be a race to say it has to be before the new year.
“We are all pleased, and we will all be happy if it happens, but I think it’s very important to be patient, don’t force it and then let’s see when it happens.”
Sunderland are set to be missing seven players for the trip to the south coast, with five of their squad on international duty.
Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Bertrand Traore and Arthur Masuaku are all at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Midfielder Habib Diarra could make his first appearance since September following injury but he is then also expected to depart to the continental tournament.
Luke O’Nien serves the final game of a three-match ban.
Players out: Brighton – Tzimas, Webster, Dunk, Gomez, Baleba, March Sunderland – Talbi, Sadiki, Reinildo, Traore, Masuaku, O’Nien, Alese
Doubts: Sunderland – Diarra
Key FPL notes:
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Yankuba Minteh (£6.1m) was unlucky not to add to his league-leading tally of seven Premier League assists last weekend, having created a big chance. The Brighton winger also fired off three shots of his own at Anfield.
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FPL’s highest-scoring goalkeeper, Robin Roefs (£4.8m), has helped Sunderland maintain an unbeaten home record, mostly recently with his fifth shut-out of the campaign and three bonus points in Gameweek 16. The Black Cats have struggled more on the road, so Roefs’ shot-stopping – he’s second top in the division for saves this season – could prove crucial at the Amex Stadium.
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Half of Sunderland’s away goals scored have come from set-plays, and Dan Ballard (£4.6m) is frequently a threat from those; the centre-back leads the league for headed attempts (11).
