Nathan Broadhead was brought straight back into Sunderland's starting line-up against Charlton Athletic at The Valley. The on-loan Everton striker is fit again after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Arsenal the week before Christmas.
He had been pictured back on the training ground at the Academy of Light this week and there was always a chance that he could be involved today, but Alex Neil's decision to include him in the starting XI was still something of a surprise. Broadhead's inclusion at the expense of Elliot Embleton was the only change to the Sunderland side that began last weekend's win at Wigan Athletic.
Embleton dropped to the bench, and centre-back Callum Doyle was also included amongst the subs after being rested at Wigan. Jermain Defoe and Leon Dajaku were on the bench at Wigan, but made way today.
Go here for all the latest Sunderland AFC news
Midfielder Luke O'Nien also made the trip to London as he nears fitness after undergoing shoulder surgery back in November, but he was not included in the matchday 18.
Charlton boss Johnnie Jackson made four changes to the side that lost at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend - a defeat that extended the Addicks' losing streak to five games. January signing Scott Fraser made his full debut, while Jason Pearce, Diallang Jaiyesimi, and Jayden Stockley also came into the side.
They came in for Akin Famewo, Albie Morgan, Alex Gilbey, and ex-Sunderland man Adam Matthews. Another former Black Cat, George Dobson, was included in the Addicks' starting XI.
You can follow the game as it happens in our live blog here, plus get all the post-match analysis and reaction.
Today's teams
Sunderland: Patterson, Winchester, Wright, Xhemajli, Gooch, Matete, Pritchard, Evans, Cirkin, Broadhead, Stewart
Subs: Hoffmann, Doyle, Embleton, Neil, Clarke, Roberts, Hume
Charlton Athletic: MacGillivray, Lavelle, Pearce, Gunter, Jaiyesimi, Fraser, Dobson, Lee, Purrington, Burstow, Stockley
Subs: Harness, Famewo, Morgan, Gilbey, John, Matthews, Leko
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
