Sunderland manager Alex Neil has provided injury updates on Nathan Broadhead and Alex Pritchard, in conversation with the Sunderland Echo, with the pair looking to get themselves back to full fitness.
Broadhead has particularly been unfortunate with injuries this season, and as a result, he has been confined to just 14 appearances in the league.
Pritchard has featured 33 times in League One this season, netting four and providing a further nine assists, proving to be a vitally important t player for the Black Cats.
Both featured for the Wearsiders at the weekend during their 1-0 victory over Gillingham, with Pritchard starting.
Broadhead came off the bench with 20 minutes to go and eventually netted the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo about the pair, Neil said: "With every day and every game that becomes a step closer [them being able to step up their involvement].
"Equally, we don't want to rush them too quickly. The last time we brought Broady back he played 70 minutes at Charlton and then we didn't see him for four or five games, which was disappointing.
"So last weekend he had 30 minutes and hopefully we'll see more of him in the remaining games.
"Alex again, he came off after 60 minutes to protect him and hopefully moving forward we can see more of him.
"We'll obviously need to see what happens in the remaining matches and how their body stands up to it.
"We should be as we were for last weekend in terms of availability, though of course we're still two days away from the game."
The verdict
It is certainly a good sight for Sunderland fans that the pair are nearing full fitness, with the Black Cats looking to secure a League One play-off spot in what remains of this season.
Broadhead has proven to be an important source of goals when on the pitch this season and will be hoping to play his part in the remaining six games.
Pritchard has sometimes looked a level above this season in Wearside and is a vital component within Neil's side.
Ultimately, both players have the ability to win matches, placing increasing importance on their availability over the next few weeks, and perhaps beyond, should a play-off spot be secured.