Régis Le Bris handed potential £17.5million boost as Angulo nears return for Villa and Forest | OneFootball

Nilson Angulo is nearing fitness for Sunderland, with a place in the travelling squad at Aston Villa possible, though his involvement there is unlikely. According to Sunderland Echo, a home return against Nottingham Forest on 24 April is seen as the more realistic target.

The 22-year-old was pictured back in training at the Academy of Light last week, highlighting progress after a frustrating lay-off.

Angulo has been sidelined since a muscle issue in the build-up to the 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on 14 March. Régis Le Bris initially suggested a four to six week recovery, and the winger missed several games, including the Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle United.

His rehabilitation also curtailed international plans. Named in Ecuador’s provisional squad to face Morocco and the Netherlands, he withdrew to continue treatment on Wearside, with head coach Sebastián Beccacece confirming an early departure.

The Ecuador international joined from Anderlecht in January for a fee understood to be around £17.5million. He has five Premier League appearances, three starts, across 264 minutes, with expected goals of 0.50 and expected assists of 0.08 but no goal or assist yet.

Sunderland sit 10th, two points behind sixth-placed Chelsea, with six matches remaining. Angulo’s return would add another wide option, even if early minutes are likely to be limited as he builds sharpness.

Source: Sunderland Echo