Speaking to Sunderland’s official website, Simon Grayson has issued a positive update on Lewis Grabban, insisting he is edging closer to a return from injury.  

Sunderland have been without Grabban, who is on-loan at the Stadium of Light from AFC Bournemouth, since early September, with the forward struggling with a hamstring problem.

Grayson has now revealed that despite Grabban not yet available for selection, the 29-year-old’s effort to regain fitness was going well.

The Sunderland boss said: “[Lewis] is working well with the physios, it's a procedure we're going through, we don't rush any player back so we have them for the long, not the short-term.

“But he's making good progress and I'm sure he'll be back in a red and white shirt very soon.”

Grayson is currently preparing his Sunderland side for a return to Sky Bet Championship action, after the Black Cats took a welcome break from a gruelling schedule last week due to international fixtures.

Sunderland face Queens Park Rangers in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, where Grayson’s side will be looking for their first victory in the league since August’s triumph over Norwich City.

Despite a miserable run of form that has seen Sunderland slip into the relegation zone, Grayson’s side enter Saturday’s fixture on the back of an impressive result against Preston North End.

Goals from George Honeyman and Aiden McGeady, held Preston to a 2-2 draw at Deepdale.

The Verdict

Grabban’s return will be a huge boost for Sunderland, who are in desperate need of some positive news after a disappointing start to their Championship return.

Grabban has three goals to his name already this season, with two of those coming in the victory against Norwich – further proving his importance to Sunderland.

Grayson has a hard task of turning things around, but with Grabban and others returning in the coming weeks, he will be confident of doing so.

Sunderland fans… Let us know your thoughts!