Tonight’s game seems to be an opportunity for some of the first-team players to get some match fitness under their belts.
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone will step up his recovery from an elbow injury by playing for the under-23s against Notts County in the Checkatrade trophy tonight, the Sunderland Echo reports.
Mannone has not been in competitive action since the 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough back in August, but coach Robbie Stockdale has confirmed the Italian will return, and there could be other more senior players in and around the side for tonight’s game in Sebastian Larsson, Jason Denayer and Adnan Januzaj.
Stockdale is quoted in the Sunderland Echo, saying: “We’ll have some senior players playing.
“Obviously, Seb is still on his recovery. Vito will play, and I’m looking at maybe Jason getting some game-time.
“Adnan is one we’ll make a late decision on, we’ll see what we think’s best for him at this moment in time.”
Mannone will face something of a battle to get back into the side given the good form of Jordan Pickford in the Italian’s absence, but it is welcome news for David Moyes and his team.
The Sunderland boss has had his fair share of injuries to deal with so far this season and he will be pleased to see more players who have recently been out of action to get some minutes under their belt.
The Scot could do with more options available to him to build on the side’s first win of the season – which came against Bournemouth – as he looks to generate some momentum in order to move the side off the bottom of the table.
It will be fascinating to see in the coming weeks and months with the goalkeeping situation, who will actually be trusted with the gloves week in, week out at the Stadium of Light.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
