Fletcher will miss out on Sunderland's clash with Stoke through injury[GETTY]
The Scotland international will sit out with a calf strain, but should be fit for the weekend, while Italy midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini is unlikely to be risked as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Centre-back Sebastian Coates could be handed a debut as head coach Gus Poyet uses the depth of his squad with Costel Pantilimon, Billy Jones, Liam Bridcutt, Will Buckley and Jordi Gomez among those also hoping for an opportunity to show what they can do.
Jon Walters is highly unlikely to return for the Potters' third-round trip to the Stadium of Light after missing out on the weekend draw with QPR due to a calf injury.
Stephen Ireland is edging closer to a return from a rib problem, while the likes of Marc Muniesa, Oussama Assaidi and Robert Huth are also due a start.
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