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Jermain Defoe handed Sunderland and David Moyes a major injury boost tonight, when he was declared fit for the clash against Leicester.

The England international passed a late fitness test to make the starting XI, and takes his place alongside returning captain Lee Cattermole.

Sunderland’s striker Defoe had been a doubt for the game at the King Power Stadium after suffering a knock close to his knee in the weekend defeat at Watford, and he did not train on Sunday as a result.

But Defoe travelled to the Midlands with the squad yesterday evening and fans were relieved to see him on the teemsheet.

Defoe is an ever-present this season, having started all 29 of Sunderland’s Premier League games and having played more minutes than any other Black Cats player.

David Moyes’ side have been heavily-reliant on the 34-year-old this season - he has scored 14 of the club’s total of 24 Premier League goals.

Striker Victor Anichebe has scored three goals and returned to the bench after missing much of 2017 with injury.

But it's a first start for Cattermole since September which has given the Black Cats another big boost. The midfielder was an unused sub at Watford, but returns along with Seb Larsson.

John O'Shea was not included tonight following the death of his father.

Sunderland: Pickford, Jones, Kone, Denayer, Oviedo, Larsson, Cattermole, Rodwell, Ndong, Borini, Defoe.

Subs: Mannone, Djilobodji, Khazri, Manquillo, Gibson, Anichebe, Januzaj

Leicester: Schmeichel, Simpson, Benalouane, Huth, Fuchs, Ndidi, Drinkwater, Gray, Mahrez, Okazaki, Vardy.

Subs: Chilwell, King, Albrighton, Amartey, Slimani, Zieler, Ulloa.