Sunderland boss gives Jordan Willis and Lynden Gooch fitness update

Jordan Willis and Lynden Gooch are both closing in on a Sunderland return, but the trip to Lincoln City on Saturday will come too soon for the influential pair.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Lee Johnson will be picking from the same pool of players that delivered a 2-1 win in the Papa John's Trophy against Oldham on Tuesday night.

Both Willis and Gooch are back in training in some capacity, and should return soon to offer Johnson some much needed variety in the squad.

"I don't think Jordan will be too far away," Johnson said.

Sunderland defender Jordan Willis is nearing a returnSunderland defender Jordan Willis is nearing a return
Sunderland defender Jordan Willis is nearing a return
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He trained today, it is restricted a little bit in terms of the contact and the actual level of output.

"But we're drifting him back in as quickly as possible.

"Lynden Gooch, it was nice to see him out there [today]," Johnson added.

"He didn't train with us, he was just with the sports science team, but he certainly looked he was being put through his paces and was moving quite well."

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor