Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed that Adam Johnson will be a part of the squad for Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.
The 28-year-old, who will stand trial on alleged child sex offences next February, has been out of action for six weeks after dislocating his shoulder during the Black Cats' season opening 4-2 defeat to Leicester City.
Now though, the winger is expected to be on the bench at the Vitality Stadium after Advocaat told reporters that he has begun "running" in training, but his teammate Duncan Watmore has been ruled out due to illness.
Sunderland are yet to win a Premier League game this season following three defeats and two draws.