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Vito Mannone says he is ahead of schedule following injury

Sunderland's Vito Mannone celebrates (REUTERS)
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The Italian goalkeeper has been missing since an elbow injury ruled him out of action in late August.

Sunderland's Vito Mannone celebrates

Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has updated fans on his return from injury as he continues his recovery from an elbow problem, speaking to safc.com.

The Italian has made just two appearances for Sunderland this season, losing 2-1 to both Manchester City and Middlesbrough.

However, his rehabilitation is progressing well and Mannone revealed that he hopes to be back playing soon.

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring their first goal as Sunderland's Vito Mannone looks dejected

“I am already ahead of schedule,” Mannone told safc.com.

“It’s not as bad as expected at the beginning so I am feeling really strong at the moment.”

Having lost both times he played this season, things have not got any better in his absence, with David Moyes’ side bottom of the Premier League without a win to their name.

However, one positive to come from Mannone’s injury has been the emergence of young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has shown he is more than capable of being Sunderland’s number one stopper even when the Italian returns to action.

Sunderland's Vito Mannone celebrates after Wahbi Khazri scored their first goal

The local lad has impressed since coming in for Mannone, but his brilliant performances have only yielded two points despite the 22-year-old doing all he can, and has often been let down by a shaky defence in front of him, with Sunderland shooting themselves in the foot on more than one occasion.

Despite Pickford’s form, the return of Mannone can only be good news for Sunderland fans, who have seen a host of first-team players ruled out with injury in recent weeks.

Sunderland's Vito Mannone looks dejected after Middlesbrough's Christian Stuani (not pictured) scores their second goal