Lee Johnson gives an injury update and his first thoughts on Sunderland youngster Benji Kimpioka

After finally settling the long impasse over the terms of a new contract earlier this season, Kimpioka made an outstanding start to his U23 campaign.

A serious hamstring injury came as a considerable setback but with Johnson outlining his desire to add players who can stretch the opposition defence, the raw but quick and talented youngster is an obvious candidate.

Johnson has high hopes for the Swedish forward, but has warned that it will be a challenge for him to make a significant impact in the current campaign.

The Sunderland head coach says he will be patient as the 20-year-old edges towards a return.

“I think he's about three to five weeks away still,” Johnson said.

“He's a player I'm looking forward to seeing and working with closely.

“It's obviously a big ask for somebody to return from an injury like that and then be expected to hit the ground running.

“But he seems like a lovely lad and he's got those raw attributes that we require in those forward areas.

“I'm looking forward to working with him but we won't push him because his health is of course the most important thing and we need to make sure his body is right for the long-term so he can be a success here.”

Johnson is hoping to add at least one forward to his squad before the January window shuts on Monday night.

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