Josh Maja’s return is on the horizon according to Simon Grayson, with the Sunderland manager also revealing that Lewis Grabban will be back in training ‘very soon’.
18-year-old Maja took pre-season by storm combining assured performances with ruthless finishing, but his involvement was cruelly cut short due to injury.
Knee surgery followed to prolong his absence, with the young striker forced into an extended spell on the sidelines.
But after missing the opening stages of the season, Maja has now returned to training and will be back in the first-team reckoning within the near future.
“Josh is back training with us now,” said Grayson.
“It was a big blow for the lad, he'd waited patiently for his opportunity, worked hard in pre-season, looked very good, strong and powerful.
He continued: “It was a big blow for us a team when we looking short at the top end of the pitch and for him as a person.
“When he’s back there’ll be great competition, I’ll be able to look at my bench and have players who I can say, go and change the game.
“The competition for places should really come to the fore now, with players pushing each other.”
Grayson also provided the latest on Lewis Grabban, who has missed the last month after making a confident start to his time on Wearside with three goals in eight games.
“Lewis is working well with the physios. It’s a procedure we’re going through.
“We don’t rush any player back so we have them for the long, not the short-term, but he’s making good progress and I’m sure he’ll be back in a red-and-white shirt very soon.”