---
title: "Sunderland: Grant Leadbitter available for Oxford United tie"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-grant-leadbitter-available-for-oxford-united-tie/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-09-17T18:40:46Z"
modified: "2020-09-17T18:40:46Z"
---

# Sunderland: Grant Leadbitter available for Oxford United tie

**Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has been handed a boost after learning midfielder Grant Leadbitter [will be available](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18728218.grant-leadbitter-will-available-sunderlands-game-oxford/) for Saturday’s game with Oxford.**

Black Cats boss Parkinson saw his side struggle to get off to a good start last Saturday, being held to a 1-1 draw by Bristol Rovers at the Stadium of Light.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”292828″\]

With the draw a slight setback in their start to the season, George Dobson’s added time red card has also caused concerns.

The midfielder’s suspension will now cause a selection headache for Parkinson but Leadbitter has handed him a boost ahead of Saturday’s League One fixture.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

Leadbitter has been struggling with a dead leg of late but [Northern Echo](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18728218.grant-leadbitter-will-available-sunderlands-game-oxford/) has claimed he has now been passed fit for selection.

The 34-year-old made 14 League One appearances during the 2019/20 season but was handed a spell of [compassionate leave](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18216281.grant-leadbitter-given-compassionate-leave-sunderland/) in February due to personal reasons.

Now, back in action, the midfielder will be looking to expand on his [533 career appearances.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-leadbitter/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/13796)

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Leadbitter is yet to appear in the league, albeit Sunderland have had just one game, but his experience is a welcome boost for Parkinson this term.

It is unlikely that he will get a start on Saturday with Josh Scowen and Lynden Gooch both vying for a spot and fully fit, but to have him available certainly gives the Black Cats a boost.

***Do you think Leadbitter should start against Oxford? Let us know in the comments section below…***