Chris Coleman hopeful of Sunderland midfielder Lynden Gooch’s fitness

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Sunderland are due to take on Reading tomorrow, in what looks like a decisive game for their survival chances.

Chris Coleman has told the Northern Echo that Lynden Gooch could make a swift recovery from injury to feature for Sunderland at the weekend.

Gooch picked up a knock in Sunderland’s last match against Norwich City, which has meant he has been unable to train so far this week.

But Coleman is hoping that the American can make his return to Sunderland’s line-up at the weekend against Reading.

“Lynden (Gooch) got a kick in the last five minutes (on Tuesday) and jarred his knee,” Coleman said.

“He had to come off because he couldn’t run, but he’s got a really good chance for Saturday. He didn’t train today, but we think he should be alright for the game.”

If Gooch can feature for Sunderland against Reading it will be a boost, as they are low on numbers currently.

Sunderland are set to be without John O’Shea, Adam Matthews, Billy Jones and Jonny Williams on Saturday.

However, Paddy McNair could also be fit, if he comes through training unscathed today.

“Paddy didn’t train with us today, but he trained with Adrian Lamb (head of performance),” Coleman added.

“It was a good session, a more controlled session. We’re expecting him to train with us tomorrow, which is good.”

Coleman has already suggested that Sunderland must be victorious in every one of their remaining matches to stay up.

The Black Cats are currently in 23rd place in the Championship table, and have a six point gap to safety to make up over the last four games of the campaign.