Sunderland fans react as key figure returns to Academy of Light training pitches

Sunderland’s ex-Coventry City goalkeeper Lee Burge has been pictured back out on the grass at the Academy of Light – with fans quick to react on social media.
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Burge had a period of absence from football, with test results in the aftermath of testing positive for COVID-19 raising some concerns.

The 29-year-old therefore went through a period of mandated rest, keeping his heart rate below 100.

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Head coach Alex Neil has stated that further tests have cleared the goalkeeper to take tentative steps towards a return, though the head coach added that they would be cautious in their approach.

It is nevertheless a major boost for the player to be taking significant steps towards a comeback further down the line.

Burge’s last Sunderland appearance came against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-final last December.

But the goalkeeper has now been pictured back in training for the first time, prompting this response from Sunderland fans on Twitter:

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@RCawley01: “Get him back in goal where he belongs he’s always been number 1.”

Lee Burge of Sunderland.Lee Burge of Sunderland.
Lee Burge of Sunderland.

@clow_evan: “That’s a bit harsh Patterson has been a great replacement if it weren’t for him we wouldn’t be in the running for play-offs and I doubt Neil will drop him he trusts him.

@BerekFTMD: “Great news.”

@JammieSafc: “This is brilliant news glad 2 see he's back in training he would be my number one goalie.”

@MrIanB_7: Smells like competition… welcome back Burgey.”

@Terry94023972: “Hope he has completely recovered.”

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Sunderland boss gives this update on Lee Burge's recovery and return to action

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