Mike Dodds will have a similar squad to pick from ahead of Sunderland's clash with Watford this weekend.

The Black Cats interim head coach says Dennis Cirkin and Nazariy Rusyn have edged closer to fitness, but both are touch and go to see whether they'll feature before the end of the season.

Dodds has already spoken about having a duty of care for the likes of Cirkin, given his lengthy spell on the sidelines, while Rusyn picked up a contact injury in Sunderland's 4-2 defeat to Southampton back in March.

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"Dennis is back training with the group but it might be a little tight for him," Dodds said. "He won't be available this weekend and then the decision for all of us is whether we involve him [against Sheffield Wednesday] based on the fact that he has now been out for such a long period of time.

"We'll see how he trains next week and take it from there, but he has started full training with us earlier this week.

"Nazariy had his first part-training session with us today, so he won't be available on Saturday and next weekend might be too soon."

Pre-season remains a realistic prospect for their return, as it does for long-term absentees Elliot Embleton and Jay Matete - both of whom had loan spells cut short this season. Add in the 'significant' ankle injury sustained by Dan Neil in pre-season, Sunderland are short of options in the heart of midfield.

"I think both Elliot and Jay will both be back fit for when we return for pre-season," Dodds added. "Dan Neil as well, it's quite a significant ankle injury but we're hopeful he'll be ready.

"We think all three should be on the grass for the start of pre-season."