Sunderland have been handed a significant selection boost with the news that Charlie Wyke should be available for the clash with Bristol Rovers.

The striker was left out of the weekend's 2-2 draw with Gillingham after suffering with a troublesome back injury.

It's a problem that has hampered Wyke in recent weeks, but after being left out as a precautionary measure, Parkinson has said that he should be fine to feature for the clash with Rovers.

As quoted by the Sunderland Echo, Parkinson said: “Charlie trained on Monday, he's fine and he'll be available tonight..
“Leaving him out at the weekend was more a precautionary thing, really.
“He had an injection on Thursday but has trained since without suffering a reaction so he's fine." Parkinson added: "Everyone who played at the weekend is okay.
“We'll assess it and decide what, if any, changes we make before the game.”

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The verdict

The news that Charlie Wyke is expected to return is a big boost.

Phil Parkinson is a huge admirer of the striker who has been a central part of Sunderland's side during their successful 2020 so far.

Whether he will be handed a start against Bristol Rovers remains to be seen, however, following Kyle Lafferty's stunning display against Gillingham.

Two goals and an excellent all-round display will surely make him un-droppable, meaning that Wyke may have to settle for a place on the bench.