Phil Parkinson gives key Charlie Wyke and Lynden Gooch updates after mixed news on injured Sunderland pair

Charlie Wyke is closing in on a Sunderland return, but Phil Parkinson admits he will have to resist the temptation to throw the striker straight back into action.
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Wyke was picked to lead the line for Parkinson’s first game in charge at Wycombe Wanderers, but came off at half-time with an injury and has not been available since.

He has stepped up his recovery in recent days with Parkinson missing nine other senior players for the FA Cup replay at Gillingham on Tuesday night.

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The game seems likely to come too soon for Wyke, but the 26-year-old is nearing a comeback.

Lynden Gooch remains sidelined with an ankle problemLynden Gooch remains sidelined with an ankle problem
Lynden Gooch remains sidelined with an ankle problem

Charlie Wyke is getting closer,” Parkinson said.

“He’s done a lot of work out on the training pitches this week, we’ve just to be careful we don’t push him back too soon and lose him long term.

“There can be a tendency [to push him] because he is so eager to get out ther and he’s a tough lad, but we’ve got to make sure he’s right.”

Parkinson is eager to boost his options in forward areas after disappointing recent results, but will have to wait for the return of Lynden Gooch, who is still struggling with an ankle problem picked up in the 5-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.

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“Goochy unfortunately faces another injection on Thursday,” Parkinson said.

“He has done some running so physically he is in good shape, but as everybody knows, with ankle ligament injuries it’s about contact and striking the ball.”

Parkinson tried to sign Wyke while in charge of Bolton Wanderers, and is confident that he can make a significant impact when fit.

“Charlie has a lot of tools to be a very good player for Sunderland,” he said.

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“Everybody knows that he came to the club injured and when he came back he was not conditioned the way he needed to be.

“I can only judge on what I’ve seen of him at Bradford, the type of goals he gets, and the running I’ve seen from him out on the pitches this week, you can see the hunger to play.

“We’ve got to make sure he’s right but I’m looking forward to working with him.”