Former Coventry City loanee Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of England U21's friendly against Italy.
The winger, who is a regular in the Sunderland side since Steve Bruce and former City boss Eric Black took over, took a knock against in the Mackams defeat at Stoke and has been withdrawn as a precaution.
Also out of Stuart Pearce's side is Danny Sturridge who scored for Bolton in a 2-1 defeat at Spurs on Saturday.
Leon Best, who scored for Newcastle against Arsenal on Saturday has withdrawn from the Republic Of Ireland squad to face Wales in Dublin.
Another former City striker Robbie Keane looks set to miss the same game as he picked up a calf injury in West Ham's defeat to Birmingham City yesterday.