Sunderland could be handed a significant fitness boost as attention turns to a pivotal double-header this Easter weekend.

The Black Cats are in the middle of a wonderful run of form that has seen them propel themselves into the heart of the promotion race in League One.

With a spot in the Championship to play for the stakes couldn't be higher in Lee Johnson's side as they look to start their rise through the leagues again after a difficult few seasons.

This weekend will see Sunderland host Oxford United on Friday afternoon before travelling to take on Peterborough United on Easter Monday, and thankfully for Johnson he could have a player back in contention.

Denver Hume has been struggling with injury of late but played 75 minutes of their under-23s clash midweek, with the Sunderland Echo's Phil Smith claiming that he could be assessed ahead of the weekend.

Discussing Hume, Smith said: "75 minutes for Denver Hume. He'll be assessed this week as he closes in on a return."

The verdict

This is a big boost for Sunderland.

Lee Johnson knows that the new few weeks are absolutely crucial in the club's hopes of securing promotion to the Championship and so it's paramount that he has as many players available for selection as possible.

Denver Hume is certainly a player who will be in the mix for a starting role when fit and so it'll be interesting to see if he features this weekend against Oxford United or Peterborough United.