Sunderland boss Alex Neil has provided a positive injury update – revealing that Danny Batth is making progress with his recovery, Alex Pritchard's issue may not be as bad as first feared, Luke O'Nien is one step closer to his return, and Jermain Defoe could feature this evening.

The Black Cats welcome Fleetwood Town to the Stadium of Light tonight and will be hoping to claim a win that could see them move back into the top six.

Neil's side were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Charlton Athletic on Saturday and things were made even worse when Alex Pritchard was forced off with an ankle injury.

However, speaking to club media ahead of tonight's game against Fleetwood, the Sunderland boss revealed Pritchard's injury may not be as bad as first thought and provided a positive update on the fitness of a number of other players.

On the playmaker, he said: "Immediately, Alex will not be available for the short term.

“We will get more news on the scan this evening and I don’t think it’s as bad as first feared because the swelling isn’t as bad as we expected, so hopefully that’s a good sign."

Batth has managed just four appearances since joining the club in January but Neil revealed he is now closing in on a return.

"It has been a slow burner," said the Black Cats boss. "He’s tried to come back on two separate occasions and on both we have probably made the situation a little bit worse – hence the reason why he’s been out for this length of time – but it’s not anything severe and hopefully over the next week it should start to clear up and we can hopefully get him going.”

There is good news concerning O'Nien as well, who continues his return from shoulder surgery, while it seems Defoe may feature tonight.

Neil explained: “Luke was in the [travelling] squad for the last game, but he hadn’t done much so naturally he is one step closer, and JD, who obviously missed out [on Saturday] with a niggle, has the potential to be involved.”

Sunderland will view tonight's game against Fleetwood as an opportunity for three points that should not be missed but though the Cod Army have gone nine League One games without a win, they have proven a difficult side to beat in that period – holding Cambridge United, Shrewsbury, Plymouth, Portsmouth and MK Dons to draws.

The Verdict

There's no denying this is good news from a Sunderland perspective.

It seems Pritchard's injury is not as bad as was first feared, which is a real boost considering what an important player he's become over the past few months.

Likewise, the return of O'Nien will be a massive boost and Defoe is available to feature against Fleetwood this evening.

The Cod Army have frustrated players this term so introducing the experienced striker late in the game could be vital.

Neil has spoken about the need to rest and rotate players and the return of Batth should give him another strong option in the defensive line.

There are reasons to be cheerful for the Stadium of Light faithful but that positivity may dissipate if they can't win tonight.