Sunderland duo Lee Cattermole and Victor Anichebe have an outside chance of being involved against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The visitors, who are propping up the Premier League, have been without Cattermole since November due to a hip injury, while Anichebe has been sidelined with a knee complaint since January 21.

Embattled Sunderland boss, David Moyes, had pencilled the pair in for a return after the international break.

While both are back in training, it is understood Anichebe is closer to a return than Cattermole.

Sunderland midfielder Darron Gibson is under no illusions as to Anichebe and Cattermole’s importance to Sunderland and is eager for them to return as soon as possible.

“Getting Catts back will be important,” Gibson told the Sunderland Echo. “He has a lot of experience, he is a good leader on the pitch.

“Victor’s ability to hold the ball up will be a big positive for us. Hopefully we can get them back after the international break and things will start going our way.

“He (Anichebe) can be unplayable when he is on form so hopefully he comes back from America and is flying.”