Sunderland now be without Aji Alese until after the international break.
That’s according to journalist Phil Smith, who has said the defender will have to build up his match fitness for a while before he can play a ‘prominent role’.
Aji Alese joined Sunderland on a three-year deal from West Ham last summer and quickly became a fan favourite as he made 22 appearances in his first season at the club.
However, the versatile defender hasn’t featured for the Black Cats since suffering a season-ending thigh injury back in March. Alese did managed to make the squad for Sunderland’s second leg play-off clash with Luton Town in May, but has been out with the same problem ever-since.
Alese spent most of his first year with Sunderland playing on the left-side of defence, though Tony Mowbray could shift him back to the centre due to the form of Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin in his absence.
Fans have been hoping to get a glimpse of the 22-year-old in action, however it now looks like they will have to wait over three weeks for him to return to full fitness.
Speaking in a Q&A with Sunderland Echo, Phil Smith said: “Aji Alese is expected to be back before too long, but given the length of his absence he will need time to build his match fitness.
“As such, he is unlikely to be able to play a prominent role until after the next international break.”
Can Aji Alese force his way back into Sunderland’s starting XI?
Aji Alese will be a great player to have around the squad given how excellent he was prior to his injury.
As previously mentioned, it would be a surprise to see him used in that left-back position when he returns. The lack of experience from Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt means Sunderland have struggled for squad depth and could really do with someone to battle Luke O’Nien for a starting spot.
However, Alese will most likely remain on the bench for a while after so long out. But it is definitely a step in the right direction to see him making his comeback this month.