Sunderland's World Cup representatives returned to Wearside this week and could be back in contention for Monday's game against West Bromwich Albion. Defender Bailey Wright and winger Jewison Bennette were the Black Cats' men in Qatar, with the former reaching the last 16 with Australia before the Socceroos were knocked out by Argentina, while the latter's Costa Rica side exited at the group stage.
Wright was involved in one of Australia's four games at the tournament, while Bennette played a part in all three of Los Ticos' group games. Wright returned to the Academy of Light earlier this week and asked to play in Wednesday's behind-closed-doors friendly against Middlesbrough at Rockliffe Park.
Bennette arrived back on Wednesday and was back in training yesterday. "They are both back," said Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray.
