Victor Anichebe is feeling good after returning to training following a groin injury.
The striker missed a 1-1 draw with former club West Bromwich Albion prior to the international break, with substitute Patrick van Aanholt striking late to rescue a point for David Moyes’ side.
On Saturday the Lads will travel to the Bet365 Stadium to take on Stoke City with both sides searching for a first Premier League win, and although he’s unlikely to start, Anichebe could feature against the Potters.
Speaking at the club’s open training session on Tuesday, the striker hailed the Black Cats’ backroom team for their continued efforts to get the forward firing on all cylinders.
“My thigh and my groin are fine,” said Anichebe while speaking to chroniclelive.co.uk. “The first game I came back [against Palace] I wasn’t as ready as I should have been but I was happy to try and help the team if I could.
“It is difficult for me because I haven’t had a pre-season or done the majority of the training like the rest of the boys. It isn’t an excuse; it is just a fact.”
He continued: “These sessions and the work I am doing with the physios are really helping me.
“I feel really good now, it is just about getting games and power into me with a combination of first-team training games and I am happy to play in the reserves too to get back quicker.
“With all that I will be fit and ready to help the team in any way I can.”