Duncan Watmore hasn’t played for Sunderland since November 2017 – but his return will massively boost their League One title prospects.
Josh Maja might finally have some support up front in the coming weeks.
Sunderland have been heavily reliant on their teenage striker for goals of late with both Charlie Wyke and Duncan Watmore on the side-lines. And while marquee summer signing Wyke is expected to return around the festive fixture schedule, it seems that Watmore is also on the verge of a long-awaited comeback.
The academy graduate hasn’t made an appearance for The Black Cats since a 2-2 draw with Millwall in November 2017 – exactly 12 months ago – after suffering a re-occurrence of a cruciate ligament injury.
But, taking to their official Twitter account, Sunderland have confirmed that the affable Watmore will finally return to action against local rivals Middlesbrough on Monday night.
“It’s one of those things where I’ve had to be very, very patient,” the 24-year-old told Sunderland’s official website earlier in November.
“It’s not like I’m going to be fit for next week but the more I train, the more I can get these kind of minutes in and this kind of experience, the fitter I’m going to get and the more confident I’ll get within my knee. It’s only a good thing and I can’t wait to get back playing.”
A combative and lively attacker, Watmore was named the Premier League 2 Player of the Season after producing 11 goals in 19 games across in the 2014/15 season.
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