He will be hoping that they can avoid the same fate suffered by Steven Fletcher last season, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Fulham.
New signings Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini with both be in action, with the latter due to play in a friendly against Argentina in Rome.
Altidore is in line to spearhead the USA’s attack in their friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina, in Sarajevo.
Seb Larsson, likely to partner new boy Cabral in central midfield against Fulham, is in the Sweden squad for their match against Norway too.
Three Black Cats players will also be in action at the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales take on the Republic of Ireland.
John O’Shea will line up in defence for Ireland, with Keiren Westwood earning his 16th international cap in goal.
David Vaughan is in the Welsh squad, though last season’s derby hero has not featured for his country since playing 45 minutes in a friendly against Austria in February.
Sunderland Premier League Fixtures
Saturday August 17
15:00 Premier League Sunderland v Fulham
Saturday August 24
15:00 Premier League Southampton v Sunderland
Saturday August 31
17:30 Premier League Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Saturday September 14
15:00 Premier League Sunderland v Arsenal
Saturday September 21
15:00 Premier League West Brom v Sunderland