Coates is considered doubtful to play in this weekend's match versus Chelsea because of an illness, the Sunderland Echo reports.

The Uruguayan has been a rock at the back for the struggling Black Cats this season, but it appears he will be unavailable for this weekend's tough away test. Sunderland was forced to change their formation last week with fellow defender Younes Kaboul out due to illness, and they are likely to do so once again if Coates is indeed sidelined. Even if he does sit out, he stands a good chance of recovering for the Boxing Day trip to take on Manchester City.

Coates allowed an own-goal in Sunday's 6-2 loss to Everton, but was able to record an assist.

It's a little bit of give and take with Coates on Sunday, but it's hard to overlook the gaffe that he made. Thie assist is his first fantasy contribution of the season and considering how poor Sunderland's defense has been this year, he's nearly off-limits for fantasy.

Coates is available to play Sunday against Newcastle following his one-match ban.

Coates has gotten a good number of starts for the Black Cats, though it's unclear if new manager Sam Allardyce will continue to use him alongside Younes Kaboul.

Coates signed a four-year contract with Sunderland on Wednesday after transferring from Liverpool.

Coates spent last season on loan with Sunderland and was a solid contributor toward the end of last season after Dick Advocaat took over the managerial reigns. He's a central defender, so his fantasy upside is a bit limited in most formats, particularly if Sunderland play as poorly defensively as they did last year.

Coates had a great game defensively Saturday, winning eight aerial battles, completing four tackles, and making nine clearances in the scoreless draw to Leicester.

Coates also recorded four interceptions in the match and was named man of the match for his strong defensive effort. Coates is known for his impressive bicycle goal last season at Liverpool, but has failed to score or assist for Sunderland this season. He'll look to grab another clean sheet in a tough matchup against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Coates is ineligible to play Saturday against Liverpool due to the terms of his loan agreement.

He will be available to return Jan. 17 against Spurs.

Coates joined Sunderland on Monday on a one-year loan from Liverpool

Coates wasn't getting any playing time at Anfield and moves to a Sunderland side where he should at least get a greater opportunity to play. That being said, they aren't a heavy defensive squad, so the clean sheets may be tough to come by.