Billy Jones a doubt for start of season

Billy Jones will likely miss the chance to play against his former club when Sunderland face West Bromwich Albion in their opening match of the new Premier League season.

The defender joined the Black Cats on a free transfer after the end of the last campaign, but has been hampered with a hamstring injury in pre-season.

Manager Gus Poyet told The Chronicle: "I think it will take at least another week for him to train with us. We're managing the situation the best we can."

Emanuele Giaccherini has already been ruled out of next weekend's match with a groin problem.