Ferdinand was taken off only after ten minutes in Saturday's Premiership goalless draw with Fulham due to injury. He was replaced with Elmo, who has been confined to the bench for weeks.

The 23-year-old remained a regular starter at the Stadium of Light for a while after his arrival but has been a substitute over the past six matches, playing only for few minutes.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said he has been keeping Elmohamady on the bench to 'protect him a little', saying 'he'll have a big part to play' soon.

The pacey winger joined the Black Cats in the close season on an extendable season-long loan from ENPPI.