Sunderland have started life with a bang in League One and have yet to welcome back star signing Charlie Wyke, but all that is about to change according to Jack Ross via the Shields Gazette.

Wyke arrived from Bradford City for an undisclosed fee, but has yet to make an appearance in the north-east after picking up an injury in pre-season.

That had meant Sunderland were hunting for a striker, but that hunt could be called off as their number nine's recovery edges ever closer.

“It might be that the Oxford game comes too quickly, but there might be an outside opportunity of him being involved around that time,” said the Sunderland boss when quizzed on the player's return. Sunderland face Oxford at the Stadium of Light on September 1st.

“What we’ve managed to do is knock off these fixtures and gain positive results without his presence and hopefully we can do that across the rest of the week and by the time we play Oxford we might have him back.”

The Black Cats have opened their account with two wins and a draw, with teenager Josh Maja in fine form up front. Wyke, who scored 15 League One goals last season, originates from the north-east having come through the ranks at Middlesbrough.

The Verdict

Given the superb start to the season Jack Ross has overseen, there's no real rush to get Wyke back in the side. They will want him involved soon though, August is almost through and autumnal pitches will soon be the order of the day.

It's a great place to be though, scoring and winning without the big-name striker on the field. Black Cats fans can expect much more joy this campaign than they've had in the last couple of years, that is almost certain.

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