Hayden Mullins, Rob Lee and Steve Lomas are still not 100% while Rufus Brevett and Don Hutchison, formerly of the Black Cats, continue their rehabilitation.
West Ham will be up against Gary Breen, who started nine times for West Ham last season, but has declined to comment publicly about his time at the club.
He turned down other lucrative offers to join the Hammers two summers ago on a one year deal with a one year option that wasn't taken up.
He has identified Eire team mate David Connolly, who is doubtful with a slight thigh problem, as the man to watch. Midfielder Julio Arca is out of action for Sunderland.
SQUAD: Bywater, Srnicek, Etherington, Repka, Melville, Dailly, Harley, Harewood, Carrick, Reo-Coker, Ferdinand, Connolly, Deane, Zamora, Horlock, Nowland, McAnuff, Cohen.