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

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

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

The loan had been arranged to rebuild match sharpness after a long spell without first-team football, yet his return lasted only a few minutes. He had already gone more than a year without a first-team appearance due to a serious shoulder problem, and he also broke his leg in January 2025.

Alese joined Sunderland from West Ham United in July 2022 and has made 46 appearances in all competitions. Early displays showed his physical presence and versatility across the back line, but injuries have stalled his progress.

Fisher, 27, has won 14 of his 15 bouts, with 12 by knockout. There is also a personal link, as Alese was coached at local youth level by Fisher’s father, also named Johnny Fisher.

The latest update is a positive sign in his rehabilitation. Sunderland will monitor his recovery at the Academy of Light as the club prepare for a campaign involving Premier League and Europa League football.

Source: Sunderland Echo