Jack Ross provides fitness update on Sunderland’s Josh Maja

Follow us on Google Discover

Sunderland forward Josh Maja is currently leading the scoring charts in League One after an impressive season.

Jack Ross has admitted to the Chronicle that he is hopeful of being able to recall Sunderland striker Josh Maja in the near future.

Maja was not available to feature for Sunderland last night against Doncaster Rovers, due to an ankle injury.

The Black Cats boss expected Maja to be available for the contest, but the injury proved to be more severe than first feared.

And Ross is now hoping that Maja can be named in his match-day squad at the weekend, when Sunderland take on Southend United.

“I made the decision this morning to leave him out of the squad and that was a blow for us but it showed the strength of the squad that we were able to win the game without a man who has contributed so much,” Ross said.

“I would be hopeful for Saturday because it is not a major injury, but I was hopeful for tonight, too!

“We’ve got a few days between now and the weekend, so I’d hope we would have him in the squad at least.”

Even without their top scorer, Sunderland still managed to pick up a win over Doncaster last night.

The Black Cats managed to grind out a victory, with Chris Maguire scoring the only goal of the night.

Sunderland are now up in third place in League One table, and they have a game in hand over the two teams ahead of them.