Sunderland coach outlines Aji Alese plan after injury nightmare and Portsmouth setback
Sunderland defender Aji Alese is continuing to build his fitness after another injury-hit period, with under-21s boss Matt Craddock outlining the club’s plan for his return.
Sunderland under-21s boss Matt Craddock has explained the plan for Aji Alese as the defender continues to build his fitness following another injury-disrupted period.
Alese featured for the Black Cats' under-21s against PSV at the Stadium of Light, getting more than 90 minutes under his belt as Sunderland continued to carefully manage his return. The 25-year-old has endured significant injury problems during his time on Wearside and was again restricted during pre-season, making these competitive academy appearances valuable as he looks to rebuild both his fitness and confidence.
Asked what Alese's experience brought to the younger group and how he was progressing, Craddock said: “ Aji is a top professional. He has been superb with us, and he’s been brilliant for the lads, but also brilliant for the staff. Really, we’re just there to support Aji on his return.
“Like you said, we’ve connected with him really closely, and we’re letting him almost drive his progression. Today, he wanted to try and get as close to 90 as possible, so the fact that we got past 90 - it was actually 100 in the end - I’m really buzzing for him, because that’s just another thing ticked off for him, mentally and physically, on his return.”
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Craddock also suggested Alese could continue to get minutes with the under-21s for as long as Sunderland believe it is beneficial to his progression. Asked whether the plan was for the defender to remain with his group for a little longer, Craddock added: “Yeah, I’m here to service the players, so as long as he’s with us, I will be doing everything I can to make him ready. “And when he isn’t with us, it’ll be for his progression or the club’s progression. Every time he turns up, I’ll work really hard with him.”
Alese has endured a hugely frustrating few years with injuries, missing long stretches of football since joining Sunderland in 2022. A January loan move to Portsmouth was designed to build his fitness, but another setback restricted him to just four Championship minutes before he returned to Wearside to continue his recovery at the Academy of Light.