Ryan Andrews could be sidelined again when Sunderland visit Vicarage Road on Saturday but Edo Kayembe is back in contention after missing the last two games.

Andrews didn’t travel to Manchester for the Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday night due to a problem with his hamstring, and Kayembe has missed the last two fixtures due to a thigh issue.

“Kayembe has returned to training and will be available for selection, but Andrews is doubtful this weekend with slight hamstring issue,” said head coach Tom Cleverley.

Both goalkeeper Dan Bachmann and defender Francisco Sierralta limped off at Carrow Road last Saturday, and it’s possible neither will return this side of the October international break.

“Bachmann had a fairly pleasing scan result, and it’ll be something that means we expect him to be available after the international break for the game at Luton,” Cleverley explained.

“If he were to respond well to treatment over the next few days then potentially he’d be available for the game at Middlesbrough, but the early plans are he returns after the international break.

“Sierralta’s scan wasn’t so positive, but still he will be out for weeks rather than months.

“Jeremy Ngakia is close to returning to the group and slowly integrating back, and Kevin Keben we also hope will be training in the next couple of weeks.”

With a few players out, Cleverley was still able make nine changes for the game at Manchester City and watch his team give the Premier League champions a decent game.

“That’s one thing I certainly have at my disposal is a squad of 20 or 21 first-team players to pick from, and real strength in depth,” he said.

“Those guys have shown the best version of themselves in every cup game.

“My main goal for Tuesday was more resilience and greater positional discipline out of possession, and it was a solid test to prove we could do that.

“We have to take that forward, and we have to show Sunderland the same amount of respect because everyone in this league can hurt you.

“If you’re not alert and highly value the art of defending then you will get hurt.

“We have to take the mindset and mentality that we showed on Tuesday forward with us.”

After the glamour of a cup tie against top-flight opposition, it’s a case of returning to the bread and butter of the league on Saturday.

“For me that’s easy, the more difficult thing is getting back at 3.30am for the players,” said Cleverley.

“It takes a couple of days to catch up on that sleep.

“Wednesday and Thursday are then much quieter days when it comes to preparation or intensity of training and then tomorrow will be the main preparation day.

“It’s absolutely not an excuse though, it’s just how it is.”