Richardson limped out of last weekend's 2-1 FA Cup victory over Bolton with an ankle problem.
Phil Bardsley and Steed Malbranque were rested for that game because they are both on four yellow cards for the season, but could return at the Riverside Stadium.
Midfielder Grant Leadbitter has returned to light training after a hamstring injury, but Saturday's game could come too soon, while Craig Gordon (ankle) and George McCartney (foot) are progressing well.
SUNDERLAND (from): Fulop, Colgan, Bardsley, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, Malbranque, Whitehead, Richardson, Tainio, Leadbitter, Edwards, Miller, Yorke, Reid, Henderson, Diouf, Cisse, Jones, Murphy, Healy, Chopra.