It has been almost two weeks since Ian Poveda joined Sunderland on a free transfer.
The Colombian was in high-demand as he reached the end of his contract at Leeds United, having impressed during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls were desperate to bring Poveda back to the club, while a number of other Championship sides tried to sign him.
However, it was Sunderland that won the race for the winger and he soon arrived as their third summer signing.
There has been a lot of excitement around Poveda on Wearside, but fans are still waiting to see him in action, despite having played three friendlies since he joined the club.
The Black Cats’ win over Blackpool days after his move was an understandable absence, but he was also left out against Bradford City and wasn’t named in the squad to face Marseille either – despite travelling to Valley Parade.
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Poveda unlikely to make his debut v Cardiff City
Regis Le Bris has now issued an update on Poveda ahead of Sunderland’s opener this weekend.
Speaking to Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: “He started three weeks after the rest of the team so he needs time to improve his physical condition.
“I don’t know exactly when he will be available, we need to build a strong foundation with him so he is available for the whole season. We can’t go too quickly with him.”
Poveda’s absence could impact his form when he returns
Poveda spent the last month of the season on the sidelines with an injury, while he has been without a club for most of the summer.
It is no surprise that the 24-year-old isn’t fully fit yet, but it is also frustrating that he hasn’t managed to play a single minute of preseason football.
Poveda will undoubtedly miss out on this weekend’s trip to Cardiff but can hopefully return for the first home clash against Sheffield Wednesday.
If his absence stretches on any longer then it is going to make it tough for him to force his way into the starting line-up or even just catch up with his new teammates.
Poveda looks like a really positive signing for Sunderland, but his injury record is the only real concern and he certainly won’t want it to be a real issue so soon after his arrival.