Loovens set for early return from injury
GLENN Loovens is set to return to Sunderland’s League One campaign earlier than expected, Jack Ross has confirmed.
Ross feared the Dutch defender was set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he suffered a hamstring injury inside the first five minutes of the Black Cats’ 1-1 draw at Coventry City last weekend.
However, Ross says the 35-yearold’s injury is less serious than first thought and he is likely to be out for two to three weeks, which would mean he could be back playing again by the end of the month.
He said: “Glenn has a hamstring injury which is at the lesser end of what we thought and has actually made good progress already.
“He looks after himself well, which probably helps - but it will still be two or three weeks before he is back.”
Loovens was one of three players who picked up injuries at the Ricoh Arena.
Young left-back Denver Hume had to go off due to a knee problem while Lynden Gooch completed the final 20 minutes of the match severely hampered by a hamstring issue because Sunderland had already used all three subs.
Striker Gooch will miss tomorrow’s trip to Bradford City and Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy game against Carlisle.
However, Ross expects him to return to training a week on Monday - which means he may be in contention for the trip Shrewsbury Town in a fortnight’s time.
Hume, however, will be out for a longer period.
Ross said: “I expect Lynden will train the Monday after the international weekend.
“Denver’s knee injury is not as bad as it could have been but we are still looking at a minimum of six weeks out, which is a blow to him as well as us.”
Skipper George Honeyman missed Sunderland’s 2-2 draw against promotion rivals Peterborough United after sustaining concussion in training but he is likely to be available against Bradford.
Bryan Oviedo begins a threematch ban this weekend following his red card against Peterborough but midfielder Lee Cattermole will be available, having served a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.