Sunderland will be hoping to have a few of their injured players back for the League One run-in which begins with the visit of Gillingham on Saturday. Seven games remain for Alex Neil’s side and there is not much room for error given the Black Cats’ position in the table.
They are currently two points outside the top six following their six-game unbeaten run. Neil will be hoping that, as he looks to guide his side into the play-off places, he will have a few more players available than he has had in recent weeks.
We have taken a look at each of the players who have been injured in recent weeks and when they might return to the Sunderland matchday squad.
Read more: Danny Batth aiming to help Sunderland's play-off bid as he nears full fitness
Danny Batth
Danny Batth is hopeful of a return to the squad for the Gillingham clash this weekend after being unavailable for selection for over a month since he got injured in the defeat to Cheltenham. He told the Sunderland Echo : “It just seems to have dragged on and I’ve tried to come back a few times.
“It's been a niggly injury so we’ve kind of had to let it build up and obviously I’ve been working hard off the pitch in the gym and physically. The injury was pretty unfortunate, it was in a blocked tackle. I’ve won the ball and the guy has put all his weight into my ankle.
“There was no massive damage on the scan, it has just been niggling and niggling so hopefully that’s behind me now and I can crack on. I’ve just been using the international break to get upto speed.”
Alex Pritchard
Having missed the last three games, Alex Pritchard might also be in contention for the visit of the Gills on Saturday. Neil admitted that the damage was not as bad as an initially-feared six to eight weight week lay-off.
Aiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady has been working hard to work his way back into the fold for matchday involvement but his comeback from injury has not been as smooth as expected. He should be available to return to the team at some stage before the end of the season but the visit of Gillingham might come too soon for the 93-time Republic of Ireland international.
Nathan Broadhead
The situation regarding Nathan Broadhead seems similar with no date currently put on his return to the squad. He too shouldn’t be far from action after Neil confirmed it was ‘not a massive issue’ following his early withdrawal from the draw at Charlton.
Niall Huggins
Unfortunately for Neil and Sunderland, Niall Huggins looks as though he will not be able to contribute between now and the end of the season. He originally had a stress fracture in his back that threatened his involvement and, whilst doing rehab for that injury, he injured his heel in an issue that Neil described as ‘highly unusual’.
Jordan Willis
Jordan Willis is the other Black Cats player who will not play any further part in the season after he suffered a second rupture to his patella tendon during surgery that intended to address the initial rupture. He will now be hoping to get back to full fitness ahead of the start of next term.
