Sunderland post Ross Stewart injury update that fans will love as striker steps up recovery

The Black Cats striker was initially ruled out for six to eight weeks with a grade three tear at the start of September, yet a return before next month’s World Cup break is unlikely.

Sunderland have five more matches before the World Cup, including their fixture against Burnley at the Stadium of Light.

But while Stewart’s absence has been felt, it’s hoped the striker could return before the end of the year. Sunderland are set to face Millwall on December 3 in their first match after the break.

The club posted a picture on Friday of Stewart running on an anti-gravity treadmill, with the words: ‘On the road to recovery’

When discussing the striker’s condition at the start of the week, Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray said: “Ross is coming along well, but I don’t think we need to make a decision about comeback plans until the boy feels that he’s ready to put his boots back on and get back out on the grass.

"We won’t be taking a chance on him, that’s the main thing. I always believe that after Christmas and the transfer window, those months from February through to May are the crucial stage.

"That’s when you really need to be firing and winning games.”

Ellis Simms and Daniel Ballard have also been sidelined after suffering lengthy injury setbacks, yet Mowbray says they won’t be rushed back.

“I’m hoping this club will be really strong then, with Ross coming back and hopefully Ellis and Dan Ballard too. Hopefully, the team will be stronger and more powerful then, and the competition for places will be more extreme."