This is the latest on Elliot Embleton as youngster edges closer to Sunderland return

Embleton suffered a frustrating campaign last time out, earning a place in the starting XI for the first game of the season before injuries seriously affected his progress.

Hamstring problems meant that the talented 21-year-old last played a competitive game for the Black Cats on September 25th, 2019.

The attacking midfielder was nearing a return to fitness as the UK went into lockdown and the League One season was brought to an early conclusion.

He played a full part in the early stages of pre-season and started against Gateshead in Sunderland’s first friendly, but was forced off with the thigh issue.

Whie he has nearly recovered from that injury, Parkinson has warned that he will need significant action in the U23 side before he can be considered for senior selection.

“Elliot is making progress,” Parkinson said.

“We hope he will be training next week but he'll need a few U23 games before he can put himself up for selection because he hasn't played for a long time.”.

However, the U23’s season opener away at Burnley on Monday is likely to come too soon for Embleton.

Having closely studied Embleton’s successful loan at Grimsby Town in the 2018/19 season, Parkinson is adamant that he has a role to play this season.

The Black Cats boss was impressed with his quality during pre-season, saying that he could be a ‘bonus’ player for the Black Cats.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

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

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear

Football Clubs Editor