Aji Alese trains with Johnny Fisher as Sunderland defender steps up injury comeback | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Aji Alese has been pictured training alongside British heavyweight Johnny Fisher as the Sunderland defender continues his injury comeback.

The 25-year-old was ruled out for the rest of last season after a serious groin injury while on loan at Portsmouth. He suffered the problem moments after coming off the bench in a defeat to Preston North End, his debut following a January move.

The loan was arranged to build minutes after a long spell without regular first-team action, but his return lasted only a handful. Fisher, 27, is nicknamed "The Romford Bull" and has won 14 of his 15 professional bouts, with 12 by knockout.

There is also a personal link, with Alese having been coached at local youth level by Fisher’s father, also called Johnny. Alese joined Sunderland from West Ham United in July 2022 and impressed early with his physicality, athleticism and versatility across the back line.

Injuries then stalled his momentum. Before the groin issue, he had gone more than a year without a Sunderland first-team appearance due to a serious shoulder problem, and he also broke his leg in January 2025. He has made 46 appearances in all competitions across four seasons for the North East club.

The latest update is an encouraging sign as he continues rehabilitation. Sunderland will monitor his rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, with the defender under contract as the club prepare for a challenging campaign in the Premier League and Europa League.

Source: Sunderland Echo