'We thought it would just be a week': Elliot Embleton lifts the lid on his injury woe and his fresh Sunderland aims

The 21-year-old completed 90 minutes in the Black Cats’ 2-1 defeat at Fleetwood Town, in what was his first full senior game in 440 days.

Embleton hadn’t completed a match since the victory at Burnley in August 2019, with a series of niggling and frustrating injuries hampering his opportunities.

The latest of those fitness blows came in August of this year, when the attacking midfielder picked up what looked to be a minor knock in the friendly at Gateshead.

What was initially thought to be a week-long injury quickly turned into a longer-term absence, which Embleton admits was frustrating.

But having now returned to the fold, the academy graduate is looking ahead with optimism.

“In pre-season I was back and fine, and to pick up a little knock in the first pre-season game was gutting considering I missed most of last season as well,” he explained.

“It's been over a year since I played 90 minutes and it's a big plus physically and mentally to get that over with.

“We thought it would just be a week or so, but it just stuck around and wouldn't go away.

“It's sorted now and I'm looking forward to getting some more minutes.”

And while completing the game at Fleetwood was a notable milestone in terms of fitness, so too is it a psychological hurdle overcome for Embleton.

That wasn’t always the plan, however.

"The plan was to play a good chunk of the game but not all of it,” said Embleton.

"With the injuries we had, what are the chances your three wing-backs get injured get injured within ten minutes of each other?

“Obviously we didn't want to play that much but I got through it and I feel good.

“It's massive,” he continued.

“It's been over a year. You get little bits and pieces here and there but to start a game and finish a game is what you play football for.”

Embleton’s spirits were kept high during his time on the sidelines by manager Phil Parkinson, who both publicly and privately hailed the youngster’s talent.

And having received the backing of his manager, the 21-year-old is now hoping to repay the faith shown in him by the Sunderland boss.

“The gaffer has always said, even when he first came in and I was injured with my hamstring, that he liked the way I play and that he thought I could bring something to the team.

"He kept on saying that and hopefully I can get back and show what I can do.”

So what next for Embleton?

His performance at Fleetwood was encouraging and showed what he could add to the Sunderland side – and the youngster is now focused on building up his match sharpness and delivering the goods in the final third.

“In training I just look to work hard and be the best player I can be,” said Embleton.

"If that means I get picked on a Saturday then happy days.

“I just want to get as many minutes as I can, get on the pitch and score some goals.”

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