Phil Parkinson provides a concerning Sunderland injury update ahead of League One break

Phil Parkinson remains unsure as to when Charlie Wyke and Lynden Gooch will return to action for Sunderland - while revealing a fresh injury concern.
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The duo have been absent for much of Parkinson’s reign at the Stadium of Light, with the 51-year-old having been forced to wait to have the attacking pair at his disposal.

Both have made positive steps toward a comeback, with Gooch having completed his course of injections and a CT scan confirming Wyke had not sustained a fracture.

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Yet both are still being nursed back to full health, with Parkinson unsure whether they will be fit for the visit to Gillingham on December 7.

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has revealed the latest on the club's injury situationSunderland boss Phil Parkinson has revealed the latest on the club's injury situation
Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has revealed the latest on the club's injury situation

But he remains confident that the pair will provide the Black Cats with some extra firepower moving forward.

"Of course, that would be a boost,” said Parkinson.

"Whether they are back, we'll wait and see. I've been waiting since the first week I was here but the physio department are doing everything they can to get them fit.

"Sometimes, nature takes time to heal injuries."

The Black Cats also have a concern over Dylan McGeouch, who missed the defeat to Burton with a minor injury.

"It's his calf,” explained Parkinson.

“He has a slight calf injury."

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But the midfielder will have ten days to recover before Sunderland next take to the field, in a period which will give Parkinson some much-needed time to work with his squad at the Academy of Light.

And while the wait for a fixture will no doubt be a frustrating one, the Sunderland chief is keen to make the most of a rare break after a hectic start to his tenure on Wearside - during which he has been deprived of time on the training ground.

"It's going to be a long ten days after tonight, but we've got to utilise it and use it the right way,” he said.

"We need to make sure we go into the next game with a stronger mentality than we showed tonight."