Chris Coleman has provided an injury boost over the fitness of Darron Gibson.
The Welshman has, however, admitted he doesn’t expect there to be any fresh faces back for Saturday’s test against Middlesbrough.
Gibson was initially sidelined for eight to ten weeks at the start of January when he limped off in Sunderland’s News Year’s Day clash against Barnsley with a groin injury.
However, following surgery the Republic of Ireland midfielder has made good progress as he looks to make a return to first-team action.
And speaking at his pre-Middlesbrough press conference this afternoon at the Academy of Light, Coleman provided the latest news on Gibson while revealing some of the team news ahead of Saturday’s clash.
“Adam Matthews trained today so hopefully he doesn’t react badly,” he said.
“It is his hamstring so there is a fatigue element. We have had to push him today to see how he reacts to it.
“There is still no Marc Wilson but Darron Gibson is still way ahead of schedule.
“He trained today with the physio and did a bit of head tennis at the end to get him twisting and turning.
“He looks quite good so that is a plus," he continued.
“Ovie Ejaria is a big doubt, LuaLua is a no also. He won’t make this weekend but has a good chance of making next weekend.”