Sunderland boss Gus Poyet hopes new signing Anthony Reveillere is available for Sunday's clash with Arsenal.
Reveillere's clearance must come through by 1.45pm on Saturday - when the official teamsheet is submitted - to be eligible to play.
"We are waiting for international clearance and checking everything, and that will decide whether he is involved or not," said Poyet.
"He is going to be in the squad, for sure, because we are short of defenders.
"Whether he starts or not is a different matter."
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