Sunderland return to action against Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers over the Easter weekend, looking to bring an end to their winless run.
Though the performance in the 0-0 draw with QPR was a huge disappointment for interim boss Mike Dodds, he has pointed to the imminent return of a number of players as cause for optimism that results can turn before end of the campaign. Here, we outline when every senior player is expected to be back in action.
LUKE O’NIEN
O’Nien has now served his two-game suspension for picking up ten yellow cards across the campaign, and so will be able to return to the side at Cardiff City. He should be able to reprise his partnership with Dan Ballard, who was able to complete 90 minutes against QPR despite picking up a hamstring issue the week previous.
Return date: Cardiff City (A) March 29th
Alese has returned to full training over the last week or so and is currently set to make his return when the U21s face Leicester City on Friday night. Providing he comes through that game and trains next week, then he will return to the bench for the trip to Cardiff City. Though Sunderland will be patient with Alese given his injury issues over the last year or so, some of which have been aggravated by him rushing back to help the team, his quality and versatility will clearly be a big boost.
CORRY EVANS AND BRADLEY DACK
Dack was able to return to the bench on Saturday and played an hour against Newcastle United U21s on Monday afternoon, meaning he will almost certainly return to senior action at some stage over the Easter weekend.
Evans, meanwhile, played his first competitive football in over a year yesterday – completing 45 minutes and scoring a long-range goal in that 3-2 defeat to Newcastle. All being well he is expected to return to the bench next weekend and while his game time will have to be carefully managed after so long out, his experience and skills as a specialist holding midfielder will be a big boost.
