Bailey Wright could return to action when Sunderland face Wigan Athletic on Tuesday evening (KO 6pm) – and that’s not the only good news from within the Lads’ defensive core.
The Australian centre-back hasn’t featured for Lee Johnson’s side since their shootout win over Lincoln City in February, but the Head Coach confirmed his comeback is imminent.
Johnson also revealed that Arbenit Xhemajli has taken a positive step forward in his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury, with the Kosovo international taking to the grass on Monday.
Speaking to safc.com ahead of a trip to the DW Stadium, the Head Coach provided the latest news on both centre-backs.
“Bailey Wright looks like he is ready to go – his injury has healed and there is no doubting that,” said Johnson.
“Ideally you would like to get him some Under-23 minutes where possible, but we know Bails as a performer, as a character – and know the level of experience that he’s got – and also as a professional in terms of his fitness.”
He continued: “If there’s anyone that could step straight in, it’s him.
“When Bailey Wright is fit, he’s got to be in consideration because of what he brings. As a manager, you don’t want a reoccurrence of injuries and you want your key men, all men, fit.
“It was also great to see Arby out running today because it must have been a really difficult time for a foreign player to come to a new country and settle in the middle of a pandemic, and he’s also had Covid-19.
“He’s coped really well and it’s good to see him out moving again – jumping and bounding – he’s a long way off, but it was nice to see.”