Chris Coleman suggests Kazenga LuaLua could return for Sunderland against Aston Villa

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Sunderland are due to face Aston Villa later this evening.

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman has told the Chronicle that he could use Kazenga LuaLua as an impact substitute against Aston Villa later this evening.

LuaLua has been out for almost a month, after picking up an ankle injury back in February.

The rapid wide-man has been sidelined for Sunderland’s last four matches, but is edging closer to a comeback now.

And while Coleman has suggested that LuaLua won’t be fit enough to start against Villa, he could be an option off the bench.

“Kaz has had a light session today, but he trained which is the most important thing,” Coleman said.

“He may have an outside chance of playing some part as a substitute. Otherwise, it will be what we had at the weekend.”

Even when he was fit, LuaLua had not been a starter for Sunderland.

The Queens Park Rangers loanee was brought off the bench in his first three appearances for the Black Cats.

LuaLua has claimed one assist at Sunderland during his time at the Stadium of Light so far.

If the Congolese international can have an impact for Sunderland this evening it would be a major boost for Coleman’s men.

Sunderland are stuck at the bottom of the Championship table, but a victory against Villa could propel them to within one point of safety.