Sunderland set for injury boost as forgotten figure returns

Sunderland set for injury boost as forgotten figure returns

Sunderland have received a welcome injury boost ahead of Christmas.

Winger Ian Poveda is set to return to the squad for their next games after returning to training. Sunderland are expecting an injury boost ahead of their Championship match at home to Norwich City on Saturday.

Poveda, 24, has made just three appearances for the Black Cats this season after joining from promotion rivals Leeds United. With Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson still out, he will provide an additional attacking option.

In the summer, the Black Cats signed Poveda to a three-year contract that would expire in June 2027, with an option for an additional 12 months.

Poveda was loaned out by Leeds United to fellow Championship club Sheffield Wednesday just over a year ago, and he spent the second half of last season with the Owls, helping them avoid relegation to League One.

The Colombia international, who has two caps, played 36 games for Leeds and was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, and Wednesday before joining Sunderland.