Seb Larsson has made a sensational return to training months ahead of schedule.
The Sweden international was expected to be out until the early stages of 2017, but David Moyes revealed that both he and Vito Mannone have returned to training.
The Sunderland manager also provided an update on Fabio Borini while hailing his players for their desire and determination to return to action as soon as possible.
“Seb has dipped in and out a little bit but started full training on Monday,” said Moyes.
“I think Seb will need the best part of three to four weeks on football sessions and what not and hopefully we might get him a couple of under-23 games in the process.”
He continued: “Hopefully it is quicker but he has done really well. It is an incredible return.
“Seb and Vito have come back much quicker.
“Vito has been doing an awful lot of goalkeeping work and diving. He is not far away.
“Borini has been running too so there are just signs that these boys are coming back and maybe getting closer to being ready.
“I think it as much down to their determination," added Moyes.
"They have shown great desire to get back quickly.
“Most of them are all back quicker than we originally thought.”
