Sunderland set to see their ranks bolstered as attacking duo provide fitness boost

Phil Parkinson is keen to increase his attacking options in January, and the return of Embleton – who has been sidelined since the Carabao Cup victory over Sheffield United with a troublesome hamstring injury – will be a timely boost.

The young forward was pictured in training with the Black Cats ahead of Saturday's trip to MK Dons and, while his League One return may still be some time away, his return to training offers a glimmer of hope for Parkinson.

Speaking to the club’s match day programme before the game with Lincoln City, Embleton himself suggested that a return was weeks, rather than months, away.

“I'm still a few weeks away but I’m working in the gym almost every day to make sure I come back even stronger,” he said.

“I’m ready to move to the next stage of rehabilitation now where I’ll be back out on the grass running so that’s another plus.”

Lafferty, meanwhile, also participated in training with the first-team squad having signed a short-term deal on Wearside on Friday.

The Northern Irish international was ineligible for the visit of Wycombe Wanderers, but could feature at stadium:mk if he can prove his fitness.

Parkinson revealed that the striker had trained on Saturday in a bid to get up to speed, having been out of action for several weeks.