The defensive midfielder was due to play in this evening's friendly against Israel in Helsinki, but he has been sent home with a leg strain.

Black Cats boss Roy Keane said: "Teemu is a doubt for the weekend.

"We don't believe the injury is serious but it might keep him out of the Spurs game.

"He's come back from Finland and we just have to see how he gets on."

Tainio will not want to miss the trip to former club Spurs if he can possibly help it.

The Finn was a boyhood Spurs supporter and, after his summer move from White Hart Lane to Wearside, admitted he was looking forward to an early return.

Skipper Dean Whitehead was a replacement for Tainio in the second half of the game against Liverpool in the season's opening match on Saturday.

And the comfort for Sunderland boss Keane is should Tainio not be available, the skipper will be able to slot straight back into midfield.

Winger Carlos Edwards is another player who has had to withdraw from international duty.

He suffered a bereavement but is expected to be available for Sunderland's first trip to London this season.

Veteran midfielder Dwight Yorke, who has been side-lined with a fractured cheek bone, is now approaching full fitness and may be involved in Trinidad and Tobago's international friendly against Cuba in some capacity.

But Keane said he is still probably one or two weeks away from being fully match fit.