Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill insists he still rates on-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.
The Dane will be wearing a protective mask but is not certain to start because of the impressive form of Fraizer Campbell.
Black Cats boss O'Neill said: "He is his own man. He has plenty of self confidence and there is nothing wrong with that. He will feel he is capable of getting into the team.
"It is good news he wants to play and be the focal point but we have done okay in his absence."