Sunderland handed boost as Robin Roefs trains, Spurs confirm Mohammed Kudus setback | OneFootball

Sunderland have received a major lift ahead of their Premier League return, with Robin Roefs back in training at the Academy of Light. The goalkeeper has been out since the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in February with a hamstring issue. Images from today's session showed him involved, though it remains unclear if he will be ready to face Spurs on Sunday.

The club said in a statement that Mohammed Kudus has suffered a setback in his recovery from a quad injury sustained in January against Sunderland. He had rejoined team training during the past week, but now requires specialist assessment that could lead to surgery, with updates to follow.

Reinildo and Enzo Le Fée were also pictured and are in line for greater involvement after brief cameos against Newcastle United. Nordi Mukiele trained too, having been an unused substitute in the Tyne-Wear derby win on his return from a calf issue.

Dan Ballard remains a major doubt with a hamstring problem. The game is expected to come too soon for Bertrand Traoré, Nilson Angulo, Romaine Mundle and Jocelin Ta Bi, though Angulo has resumed individual work on the pitches.

Roberto De Zerbi faces his first game in charge with several concerns. Kudus had hoped to return this weekend, but the extent of his latest issue is unclear and there are concerns he may miss the rest of the campaign.

Spurs sit one point above the bottom three, with both head coaches due to speak on Friday.

Source: Sunderland Echo