One Sunderland star is set to take a huge step forward in his recovery from injury this week.
Sunderland have struggled with a number of long-term injuries over the last year or so, with the likes of Aji Alese, Corry Evans and Ross Stewart all enduring lengthy spells on the sidelines.
While the Black Cats have welcomed a number of players back into the squad after an injury-ridden end to the previous campaign, there is one player who just hasn’t seemed to escape the treatment room.
Elliot Embleton proved to be a vital player in Sunderland’s promotion-winning season a couple of years ago, picking up 14 goal contributions and also netting the opener int he play-off final.
The club’s first campaign back in the Championship didn’t go as well for Embleton though, with the midfielder tearing the ligaments in his ankle just before Christmas.
He spent eight months on the sidelines before joining Derby County on loan once he returned to full fitness. However, his first game for the Rams resulted in a torn thigh muscle and he returned to Wearside for surgery.
Embleton has now been out of action since September, but Michael Beale has confirmed that he has taken a huge step in his comeback.
During Beale’s pre-match press conference, journalist Phil Smith reported that the manager had claimed that Embleton would feature for the U21s against Leicester City on Friday night.
It is unclear when that means the 24-year-old will be available for selection for the senior team, but we could perhaps see him back in contention for the trip to Birmingham City next weekend.
Can Embo get back in the Sunderland team?
Elliot Embleton has been brilliant for us at times, but there is no denying that he wasn’t quite up to scratch prior to his injury.
Having now spent over a year on the treatment table, it would take a lot for him to impress enough to earn his place back in the squad. Especially when he has the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Adil Aouchiche to compete with.
It will be great to see Embleton back on the pitch and hopefully he will prove me wrong, but I would be surprised if we don’t move him on when he enters the final 12 months of his contract in the summer. I’m sure he could still do an excellent job for a club at the top-end of League One.