Sunderland are back in Championship action this weekend and journalist James Hunter has given an important update on injuries involving a number of players
The Black Cats have been out of action for almost two weeks, with the international break disappointingly hampering their momentum, after a superb 5-0 home win over the underrated Southampton high in the most recent outing at the Stadium of Light.
On Saturday afternoon, Tony Mowbray’s side travel to Queens Park Rangers looking to continue their good form, with their opponents currently sitting 17th in the table having won two and lost three from their opening five matches.
However, Sunderland have had to be without two key figures this season, with Aji Alese and new striker Eliezer Mayenda not playing a single minute of their matches in the 2023/24 season so far.
Ahead of their trip to west London on Saturday, a new update has been given regarding the pair’s availability.
Taking to X, The Chronicle’s Hunter claimed that Alese and Mayenda could return to full training later this month, so although they won’t take part this weekend, they are both making steady progress:
“Good news on the injury front with two men just weeks away from full training and possible involvement in #safc’s Championship campaign.”
The report itself goes into more detail, saying:
“Aji Alese and summer signing Eliezer Mayenda could be back in full training within a fortnight – and could feature in Sunderland’s Championship campaign before next month’s international break. Defender Alese has not played since aggravating a thigh injury when he was rushed back to play in Sunderland’s play-off semi-final second leg against Luton Town in May.
“And Spanish striker Mayenda has played no part after suffering a hamstring injury in his very first training session with the Black Cats following his move from French side Sochaux at the end of July. Head coach Tony Mowbray says both players are training with the club’s medical staff but could be involved with the first team sessions before the end of September.”
While not having Alese and Mayenda available for Saturday’s clash with QPR isn’t ideal, this still has to be considered a positive update for Sunderland when looking at the grand scheme of things.
To have the duo back by the end of the month could be a real boost for Mowbray, in terms of quality and depth, as the Black Cats look to continue to show that they should again be considered among the clubs capable of being promoted to the Premier League ahead of next season.
