Sunderland boss Mike Dodds has revealed that a key player is back in contention for Saturday’s game vs Bristol City.
Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon where they welcome Bristol City.
Just one place separates Sunderland in 13th and Bristol City in 12th ahead of this weekend.
Though both teams go into this game in very different form, with the Robins having beaten Leicester City and Plymouth over Easter, whilst Sunderland lost 5-1 against Blackburn Rovers.
Dodds’ men have won just one of their last nine now, with Dodds having won one of his seven games as interim boss.
Key Sunderland man back in contention for Bristol City
Speaking to the press ahead of this weekend, Dodds reviewed the days since the Blackburn Rovers game.
He reiterated his disgust at the performance, saying:
“I was angry, disappointed, embarrassed. They’ve been left under no illusions for the last six games and that performance won’t be tolerated.”
And Dodds also gave some updates on team news.
One player who won’t be featuring this weekend is Corry Evans; the 33-year-old has been working his way back to full fitness with the U21s, but has now suffered a small setback.
Dodds said:
“Corry had a little reaction in training so he’s back to part training. He won’t be available this weekend.”
But Aji Alese is in line to make his first appearance since January.
The 23-year-old, who recently completed a full Central League game against Huddersfield Town for the U21s, is back in contention.
“Aji played 90 minutes [against Huddersfield] so will be in contention for the weekend,” Dodds said.
Aji Alese signs new Sunderland contract
Alese’s imminent return to Championship action comes shortly after he signed a new Sunderland contract.
His original contract was set to expire at the end of next season, but Sunderland showed great trust and faith in the former West Ham man by handing him a new deal until 2027.
This season, Alese has featured just twice in the Championship.
Aji Alese return is bad news for failing left-backs
The left-back position has been a contested one this season.
January arrivals Leo Hjelde and Callum Styles have failed to hit the ground running and so Alese’s return, along with Dennis Cirkin returning in the coming weeks, is surely bad news for them.
And it could be worse news for Styles who is on loan, with the club having an option to buy.
We’re yet to really see his quality in various positions on the pitch, certainly not at left-back, and with several players now fighting for that left-side position, it could mean Styles falls down the pecking order.
And that would surely mean Sunderland snubbing the opportunity to sign him in the summer.
But for Alese and for Dodds, a return to action is hugely positive news.
The youngster will be keen to remind everyone of his qualities if he features against Bristol City on Saturday.
Kick off is at 3pm.