Preview: Portsmouth v Sunderland February 22 2008
Jermain Defoe, Portsmouth's new but cup-tied striker, will return to league action against Sunderland at Fratton Park on Saturday.
Defoe is almost certain to take the place of Kanu alongside either Milan Baros or John Utaka.
Goalkeeper David James is expected to shrug off a stomach virus and maintain his ever-present league record but midfielder Pedro Mendes is still sidelined after a minor operation on a foot and defender Noe Pamarot is recovering from damaged knee ligaments.
David Nugent is still having treatment following a hernia operation.
Midfielder Andy Reid could play a more substantial role for Sunderland.
The 25-year-old, a £4million January acquisition from Charlton, has worked hard on his fitness in the two weeks since making his debut as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Wigan.
Grant Leadbitter too is in contention after his recovery from a broken toe and Dwight Yorke has shaken off a calf problem, but Liam Miller (calf), Kieran Richardson (hamstring), Danny Higginbotham (broken toe), Carlos Edwards (broken leg) and Ross Wallace (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Squads:
Portsmouth: James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Diop, Muntari, Diarra, Kranjcar, Utaka, Defoe, Baros, Kanu, Davis, Hughes, Aubey, Lauren, Ashdown (gk).
Sunderland: Gordon, Ward, Bardsley, McShane, Evans, Collins, Harte, Whitehead, Etuhu, Reid, Leadbitter, O'Donovan, Jones, Waghorn, Murphy, Stokes, Chopra, Prica.