Phil Parkinson reveals Elliot Embleton setback and gives Ethan Robson update

Embleton has not featured since the 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Sheffield United earlier this season.

It was his second major hamstring problem, after suffering a similar problem on loan at Grimsby Town last season, bringing his hugely successful loan to a premature end.

He returned to full training this week but suffered some discomfort.

Phil Parkinson says it is a ‘real blow’, though has taken significant reassurance from the fact that it does not appear to be the same issue.

“Embleton has unfortunately had a little bit of a setback,” Parkinson said.

“That's a real blow for us, the one downside of this week.

“He trained Tuesday and just felt his hamstring. The physio department don't feel it is where the operation was.

“Whether it is a bit of scar tissue or whatever, we've got to make sure that we protect him and don't push too quickly, too soon.”

Parkinson was glowing in his praise for the Black Cats youngster last week, insistent that he can play a part as Sunderland push for promotion in the second half of the season.

“He could be a player who is a bonus for us in the second part of the season,” he said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to watch his games at Grimsby and the early part of this season, and I don’t think anyone can dispute that he’s got real quality.

“He’s one of our own lads and a England U20 international player, so I certainly feel he’s got a part to play,” he added.

“It’s up to him to push himself into our thinking.

“He backs himself, he’s confident, and as soon as he’s ready, we’ll get him involved.”

Parkinson also said that he is yet to make a decision on Ethan Robson’s future.

Robson returned from a successful loan at Grimsby Town earlier this month and has made a positive impression on the training ground.

The Black Cats boss want to secure another loan if he does not expect the 23-year-old to feature regularly, but with a hectic schedule over the next week, he has no intention of losing him yet.