Rory Delap could make his Sunderland debut at Birmingham after shaking off an Achilles problem.
The 29-year-old midfielder has been out of action since his move to Wearside from Southampton last month.
Striker Stephen Elliott played 45 minutes for the reserves in midweek but is unlikely to figure, while Tommy Miller is suspended.
Stephen Wright could be out for the season with an ankle problem which may require surgery, Chris Brown (ankle) and Andy Gray (Achilles) are still missing and goalkeeper Ben Alnwick is a doubt with a leg injury.
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is hoping to have Chris Sutton, Matthew Upson and Stan Lazaridis available while Kenny Cunningham is rated a slight doubt with a groin injury.
