Michael Beale has revealed when two of his Sunderland players could return from their respective injuries.
Sunderland are back in action this evening as they travel to Ipswich Town in the Championship.
Michael Beale is looking to secure his third victory in the dugout after beating Hull City and Preston North End over the festive period.
In what will be a tough test for the Black Cats, the 43-year-old has the majority of his squad to choose from, although there are some teething issues.
At full-back, in particular, Beale is light on the ground.
There have been calls for Sunderland to invest in that position after hearing the news that Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin could be out for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, injuries to Patrick Roberts and Bradley Dack have left him with limited options at the top end of the pitch with Alex Pritchard likely to continue in his role on the right flank.
In terms of long-term absentees, two players who have been forgotten about are midfielder Corry Evans and Elliot Embleton.
Beale has now provided an update on his long-term injured duo.
Michael Beale outlines when Corry Evans and Elliot Embleton could return
Embelton joined League One side Derby County on a season long loan deal in the bid to get more regular game time after suffering a broken leg last campaign.
But the 24-year-old made just two appearances for the Rams when he picked up a serious thigh injury in training which meant he needed surgery and returned to the North East to undergo his rehabilitation work.
It has now been confirmed that he’s returned to Sunderland, which means he can either go out on loan this month or play a part in the squad, and Beale insists the latter is more likely.
“He doesn’t seem like he’s a million miles away from rejoining the group,” said Beale.
“He’s another one that is out working with the performance staff to make sure he’s getting the very best rehab he can.
“He’s obviously a boy who knows this club and knows what it takes to play for this club, so I’ve no doubt that he’s going to be champing at the bit to contribute.”
After rupturing his cruciate ligament against Middlesbrough 12 months ago, Evans has been out of action since with Luke O’Nien assuming the role of captaincy in his place.
The 33-year-old has suffered an agonising wait to return and that wish be granted in a months time, according to Beale.
He said: “When I came in they said he was still a couple of months away. I’ve been in nearly four weeks so probably four or five weeks before he’s back with the team.”
Will they play a part in Beale’s plans?
It remains to be seen what part Embleton and Evans will play in Beale’s plans once they return.
A lot has changed at the Stadium of Light since they were injured. Pierre Ekwah, Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil have established themselves as a midfield trio and it could take something special for either player to dislodge them.
Evans is a midfield anchor like Ekwah and Embleton favours playing in an advanced midfield role or on the flank.