Sunderland will be without Aji Alese for the Sky Bet Championship match against Burnley, with the defender set for a spell on the sidelines.

Alese limped off during the second half of the defeat to Blackburn on Tuesday night with an ankle problem, which is expected to keep him out for around a month.

Midfielder Lynden Gooch missed the Rovers match with a foot injury, but could be back in contention if he comes through training unscathed.

Striker Ellis Simms (toe) is expected back in training next week while Ross Stewart (thigh), defender Niall Huggins (heel) and Daniel Ballard (fract...