Alex Pritchard has been one high profile absentee at Sunderland in the last few weeks and the attacking midfielder could make his return against Cambridge United this weekend in League One.
The former Norwich City man was very impressive in the weeks that followed Alex Neil's appointment even with it taking time for results to turn around.
Neil provided a positive update on Pritchard's recovery in his pre-match press conference this morning, quotes are provided by the Sunderland Echo.
He said: "Alex is certainly a lot closer than what he has been, he just missed out on the last game so I’d imagine he will feature.
"He had two different injuries, it wasn’t a recurrence it was the same injury.
"We did try and protect Al by taking him off early, like we did we Broady (Nathan Broadhead), but unfortunately he had hurt it before that.
"I think what has probably been most frustrating is that off memory, I think that Broady and Alex have only started one game together since I’ve been here which is frustrating.
"Naturally you want as many of your game changers on the pitch at the same time as you can.
"To have two guys that have contributed so heavily this season not available at the same time certainly isn’t helpful when you are trying to win matches."
Neil does not have tonnes of depth in attacking areas, therefore Pritchard's return will be very significant and particularly with the Scotsman's clear desire to play him in tandem with Nathan Broadhead at some stage.
The Verdict
The Black Cats' hosting of Cambridge United is a must-win game and the U's have shocked the teams towards the top end in the recent past.
Mark Bonner's men have been one of the best performing teams, relative to their budget, in the EFL this season and they picked up a 2-1 win at league leaders Wigan Athletic last time out on their travels.
Sunderland take on Rotherham United and Morecambe in their last two, a pair of sides that could have a lot on the line when they play them, therefore it is of paramount importance that they take maximum points on Saturday afternoon, and Pritchard's return certainly makes them more likely to do just that.