Aaron Lennon is set to miss England's friendly against Brazil in 10 days' time but could return to Premier League action for Tottenham against Wigan on 22 November.
The winger has not played since spraining his ankle during Spurs' 1-0 home defeat by Stoke two weeks ago and has yet to resume training.
Lennon has recently forced his way into the starting line-up for his country after a series of impressive displays on the right wing for Spurs, but the 22-year-old's ankle problem means he is unlikely to be present when Fabio Capello's side take on the five-times world champions in Qatar.
Yet Lennon's continued absence may prove far more painful for Spurs, especially as playmaker Luka Modric is still some way from a return after fracturing a fibula against Birmingham in late August.
Jermain Defoe will be available again after suspension for the visit of the Black Cats, but defender Sebastien Bassong faces up to five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
