When every currently injured Sunderland player is expected to return to action explained

Sunderland are nearing a full squad as their previously significant injury list starts to clear

Though their lack of match fitness means they have yet to play a prominent role, the returns of Romaine Mundle and Alan Browne to the matchday squad over the past week have handed Régis Le Bris a major boost heading into the next few weeks.

Sunderland are close to having almost a full squad available – here’s when we expect their other sidelined players to return as things stand…

TOMMY WATSON

Watson is nearing a return should be back in full training at some stage this week. After a long spell on the sidelines Sunderland are unlikely to rush him back in action, and so it’s difficult to imagine he’ll have a significant role this weekend if he is even involved at all. Next weekend looks a more likely return date and it will likely be as an impact substitute to begin with.

Potential return date – Sheffield Wednesday (A) February 28th

JAYDEN DANNS

Sunderland discovered a back problem after the Liverpool youngster had his medical ahead of signing on loan for the rest of the campaign. With little to no time to source an alternative, the Black Cats pressed ahead with the deal in the hope that the 19-year-old can return in time to play a significant part in the run in. There’s no timescale on his return yet, other than he will definitely a need a couple of weeks resting before his return-to-play programme can be plotted. Won’t feature this month and his absence will likely extend into March – though how much so is not yet known.

Potential return date – N/A

AHMED ABDULLAHI

Abdullahi returned to fitness after a long recovery from groin surgery, but then picked up a couple of niggles not directly related to the initial injury.