Anichebe return is blow for Hornets defender
Victor Anichebe is closing in on a return to the Sunderland squad ahead of what is set to be a pivotal month.
Sunderland return to Premier League action this weekend when they travel to take on Watford – the first of six topflight games in April.
And ahead of the crunch game Hornets defender Christian Kabasele says the 28-yearold forward is the opponent that has caused him the most trouble so far in his debut season in English football.
The pair locked horns at the Stadium of Light in December, with Sunderland coming out on top thanks to a 49th minute winner from Patrick van Aanholt.
Anichebe has been out with a knee injury since January 21 but has an outside chance of making his return to the squad this weekend having spent the past couple of weeks working on his rehabilitation work in the US.
The return of Anichebe would give injury-hit Sunderland a major boost, with the forward playing a key role in the run of four wins from seven in November and December.
“I was mentally prepared to take the plunge (of coming to England),” Kabasele said
“I did not have too many problems with the pace of the matches,eveniftheattackers are much faster than in Belgium.
“Dealing with a (Sergio) Aguero, (Diego) Costa or (Sadio) Mane does not leave you a second of respite, so I need my ability to catch up with attackers who have gone pastme.
“I had the most trouble against Victor Anichebe. But for me Romelu (Lukaku) is the best striker in the Premier League.”
The defender has been out injured since January 21, the same length of time as Anichebe with both hopeful they will be back involved this weekend.
Moyes recently revealed he had pencilled Anichebe and Lee Cattermole – out since November with a hip problem – for a return when the Premier League resumes.