Midfielder Robson will not return to action until new year
ETHAN Robson has taken another step towards a comeback but will not join Sunderland’s League One campaign until the New Year, according to Jack Ross.
The Black Cats midfielder has endured an injury-hit season, with a groin problem suffered in the summer ruling him out of the early stages of the season and then an ankle injury picked up in the Checkatrade Trophy win over Carlisle United in October leaving him sidelined again.
It has meant his involvement this season has so far been restricted to just one and a half Checkatrade Trophy outings. Ross has confirmed the 22-year-old is back running again but he is unlikely to resume full training until the turn of the year.
Ross said: “Ethan has started running again, which is a step forward after what was quite a nasty injury he had.
“He is back running on the grass, he is doing strength and conditioning work but he is probably two or three weeks away from being back in full training.”
With Lee Cattermole back in the squad for tonight’s FA Cup second round replay against Walsall on Wearside, Sunderland have plenty of options in central midfield at present even before Robson returns - but that has not always been the case.
Ross added: “We have good options in midfield but it is incredible how quickly it can turn.
“If you look back at the league game at Walsall two weeks ago, we only had Max Power and Luke O’Nien available.
“Then when you have Dylan McGeouch back, Lee back, and Ethan back in a few weeks, you have five in that area - and then there is George Honeyman who is also capable of playing in there.”