Sunderland full debut, major injury boost and striker opportunity against Stoke City

Harrison Jones makes his Black Cats debut, and Simon Moore and Leo Hjelde also join the team. Wilson Isidor, Jobe Bellingham, Patrick Roberts, Chris Mepham, and Anthony Patterson all leave the team. Rigg is making his first appearance since getting hurt late in the draw at Blackburn on Boxing Day.

Connolly, meanwhile, is starting for the first time since the Millwall tie. Due to his recent lack of activity, Regis Le Bris acknowledged last week that the forward’s future was questionable. The Black Cats seek to bolster their forward line before the January transfer window closes. For the first time since his injury recovery, Salis Abdul Samed is in the squad. Enzo Le Fee will be at the Stadium of Light even if he wasn’t signed in time to play this afternoon.

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