Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has confirmed that Adam Johnson will be back in training next week following a shoulder injury.
The winger has missed the Black Cats' last three games with the problem.
"This week Adam had to go to the doctor for the final time - but everything is okay with his legs," Advocaat is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "So he's started running and then maybe he can start training next week."
Meanwhile, midfielder Jordi Gomez is expected to be back in action in a couple of weeks after undergoing knee surgery earlier in the year.
"Jordi is getting better and better," the Dutchman added. "He is improving, so in a couple of weeks he will be a member of the squad."
Sunderland currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with two points from a possible 12.
