Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has provided an update on the fitness of injured Black Cats forward Charlie Wyke, indicating the club do not want to rush him back. 

The striker has been missing since picking up an injury in the 1-0 loss to Wycombe Wanderers back in October, which was Parkinson's first game in charge.

Wyke was substituted at half time in the League One tie at Adams Park after damaging his ankle ligaments.

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The 26-year-old, who had been the North East club's first-choice striker for much of the season, has been sidelined ever since–missing the Black Cats last seven games.

Parkinson has made a shaky start to life at the Stadium of Light–winning just twice and losing four times in his opening eight games.

The English coach's next chance to improve his record will come against Gillingham in the FA Cup First Round replay tomorrow.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Parkinson said that Wyke's recovery was going well but that he would not be available for that game.

He said: "Charlie Wyke's been running this week but we don't want to rush him back and lose him long-term.

"But in terms of the work he's been able to do on the training ground he looks in good shape physically, so once the ankle is absolutely 100 percent it won't be long before he's involved."

The other forward options in Parkinson's senior squad include Will Grigg and Marc McNulty.

The Verdict

This is good news for Sunderland as it appears Wyke's recovery is going well and he should return to action relatively soon.

One of Parkinson's main issues at the North East club is the lack of an in-form striker, with Grigg, Wyke, and McNulty having scored just four league goals between them.

The Black Cats must be eyeing up bringing in a new striker in January, so Wyke will no doubt be keen to return to the field to prove he can be the goalscorer they need.