Report: Sunderland's Jermain Defoe fit to face Stoke City

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has reportedly been passed fit to feature against Stoke City at the weekend.

The former England international limped off with an ankle injury during the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last night - a game in which Defoe scored the only goal.

There had been suggestions that the 33-year-old may have damaged ligaments, but according to Sky Sports News, the complaint is not as serious as first feared.

The report adds that Defoe could even be available to manager Sam Allardyce for Stoke's visit to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United frontman Defoe has scored seven goals in his last nine outings for the Black Cats.