Sunderland’s Elliot Embleton made his competitive comeback after nine months on the sidelines this week – and wasted no time in making his mark for Derby County. The midfielder joined the Rams on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day, with the Black Cats deciding he would get more game time with the League One side than on Wearside as he works his way back to full fitness.
Academy product Embleton had been out of action since breaking his ankle and suffering serious ligament damage in Sunderland’s Championship draw at Hull City in December, with the challenge that caused his injury also seeing him shown a red card. Embleton was eased back into competitive action as he started for Derby’s U21 side in their 5-2 Central League Cup win against Lincoln City at the Rams’ Moor Farm training base this week, and the 24-year-old needed just three minutes to get on the scoresheet to set his side on the road to victory.
Embleton was substituted at half-time, with his replacement Tony Weston going on to score a hat-trick. Derby’s next game sees them take on Portsmouth at Pride Park on Saturday, and Embleton could now be included in boss Paul Warne’s plans for that fixture.
If he does not figure against Pompey, Derby face Lincoln City again – this time in the EFL Trophy – on Tuesday night at Pride Park. Embleton’s loan move is due to last until the end of the season but, as is usual with such deals, there is a recall clause which can be activated in January, and Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has said the situation will be reviewed in the New Year
“Elliot is returning from a long-term injury and it’s important that we get him back up to speed as quickly as possible, but to do that we felt that he needed minutes,” Speakman said at the beginning of the month, following Embleton’s move to Derby. “After Derby’s approach, we discussed the move with Elliot and agreed that this was a move and environment that suited his immediate requirements
