Sunderland have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of the Gillingham clash.

The Black Cats are in desperate need of a win after falling to 11th place in League One  - a staggering nine points off their original target of securing an automatic promotion spot.

Scoring enough goals has been a bit of a problem for Sunderland, but Phil Parkinson will be delighted with the latest injury news coming from Wearside.

Charlie Wyke is on track to return to action this weekend.

The 26-year-old has been out of action for six weeks after suffering an ankle injury against Wycombe Wanderers in October.

But Wyke isn't the only one to return, with Marc McNulty also in line to feature.

The Reading loanee has struggled with a persistent hamstring problem but the news from Phil Parkinson is that the club are confident that he can be nursed back to fitness in a timely manner.

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Speaking to the press, as quoted by Sunderland Echo, he said: "Charlie and Marc came through their first training session yesterday without any problems, which is really good news.

"We'll monitor them between now and the weekend but unless there are any issues, they should be involved in some way at Gillingham.” The verdict The news of Charlie Wyke and Marc McNulty's imminent return is great news for Sunderland. The Black Cats have struggled for goals of late and the duo will no doubt add a more ruthless dynamic to Phil Parkinson's forward line.