Sunderland appears to be making significant headway in addressing their extensive list of injuries. Tony Mowbray’s aspiration for a stronger squad to choose from after the current international break seems to be coming to fruition, as several players have returned to training.
Bradley Dack, who had been sidelined for the entire previous block of Championship fixtures due to a hamstring problem, and Pierre Ekwah, who missed the last five matches due to a recurring dead leg sustained against QPR, are among those who’ve made progress. Ekwah also faced a hematoma that needed time to clear before resuming full training. Mowbray and Sunderland have been cautious with both players, prioritizing their well-being to prevent any further complications from returning to action too hastily.
Mowbray’s optimism had always centered on them returning to full training during this two-week period, ultimately preparing them for a possible comeback to the squad in the upcoming match against Stoke City next weekend. The sight of both players on the training ground this afternoon suggests they are on the right track.
Positive developments have also emerged from the Academy of Light training pitches. Aji Alese and Eliezer Mayenda had resumed full training before the loss to Middlesbrough, and they’ve continued to ramp up their recoveries during the international break. While neither is expected to start against Stoke City next weekend, Mowbray has made it clear that they will need to build their match fitness with the U21 team before being ready for Championship football. Nevertheless, both should make their first appearances of the season in the upcoming series of fixtures.
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Furthermore, Alex Pritchard and Dennis Cirkin have been spotted in training. Pritchard is likely to be available for the Stoke City match after missing the last two games due to a minor calf issue. Regarding Cirkin, although Mowbray had initially expressed doubts about his full fitness for the upcoming game, his progress is undeniably encouraging.
There is no current update on Niall Huggins, who was substituted in the first half of the Middlesbrough defeat due to a muscle problem. Mowbray is expected to provide an update next week, as the club is closely monitoring his condition, with hopes that it isn’t a significant issue.