Jack Ross is hopeful that Bryan Oviedo and Adam Matthews aren’t too far away from a return to first-team action.
The duo returned to training today as preparations for Sunderland’s crucial home fixture with Luton Town turned up a notch.
Oviedo has been out since the Shrewsbury Town match in December while Welsh full-back Matthews has been unavailable since he scored in the Lads’ 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers.
However, the pair resumed full training with the first-team, along with long-term absentee Ethan Robson and 35-year-old Glenn Loovens.
Speaking about the latest team news, Ross refused to get drawn on whether or not any of the names would feature in Saturday’s squad but admitted their return to fitness provides a big boost.
“Both (Bryan Oviedo and Adam Matthews) trained today, so too did Ethan Robson and Glenn Loovens.
“He did a little bit but not as much as the others.
“Obviously, though, they’ve only had one day training so we will see how they react today and then hopefully they will be back out on the grass today.
He continued: “Bryan has been out a little less time than Adam, but Adam’s fitness levels are generally really good.
“Both trained well today, we’re happy with them and I spoke to Adam afterwards and he said he couldn’t feel any reaction so that’s a positive for us as well.”
