Sunderland manager Jack Ross has revealed that Glenn Loovens will be involved for Saturday's game against Plymouth.

The big defender has missed the past month with a hamstring injury but Ross told the Sunderland Echo the former Sheffield Wednesday man is now available.

"Glenn will come back into the squad for travelling, he has had a couple of weeks of training."

As well as that, there was more positive news on two long-term absentees in Charlie Wyke and Duncan Watmore, with the summer signing from Bradford ahead of schedule for a return.

"Charlie is probably slightly ahead of schedule, Christmas time was always the schedule, he feels he may be back earlier than that. He feels better than he did before but we are prepared to be patient, we have a bit more depth now."

Meanwhile, Watmore is back in full training after a very tough few years on the injury front, although he won't be rushed.

"We can start to maybe look at getting him some game time, whether that be behind closed doors or an U23 game. Hopefully before the end of the year we'll have Duncan back."

The Black Cats make the 800-mile round trip to Argyle this weekend knowing a victory could take them into the top two.

The Verdict

This is good news for Sunderland fans as Loovens is a solid option at the back, but he may have to be patient to get his chance.

Those in the side have been performing well and Ross will be delighted to have such problems when it comes to selection.

As for Wyke and Watmore, it's about letting them come back at their own pace given the nature of the injury.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.

[ad_pod ]