Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has revealed that he expects Lee Cattermole to return to full training next week.
The midfielder has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during the Black Cats' goalless draw with Aston Villa on December 28.
Almost a fortnight ago, Poyet suggested that Cattermole may need surgery, but it appears that the 26-year-old is recovering well.
"If everything goes as planned he should be training with us on Monday," The Chronicle quotes Poyet as saying. "To have Lee back will be a huge boost."
Sunderland are currently two points above the relegation zone in the Premier League table.
