Sunderland could be boosted by the return of three key players of the weekend's clash with West Ham United.

The Sunderland Echo is reporting that Jan Kirchhoff, Younes Kaboul and Seb Larsson could all be passed fit for Saturday's trip to Upton Park.

German defender/midfielder Kirchhoff was forced off late in the recent 2-1 win over Manchester City with a hamstring injury but should be fine to take his place in the Black Cats line-up.

Veteran centre-half Kaboul has not played this year while battling hamstring and ankle problems while Swedish midfielder Larsson could be back in action after missing the past three months with a knee ligament issue.

Sam Allardyce's return to West Ham comes at a crucial stage for his Sunderland who sit second bottom on the Premier League table, two points from safety.