Sunderland AFC handed double boost ahead of Sheffield United play-off final | OneFootball

Sunderland's Aje Alese and Ahmed Abdullahi are close to a return to full fitness.

Sunderland AFC could potentially have Aje Alese and Ahmed Abdullahi available for selection when they take on Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium next weekend.

The Black Cats booked their place at the national stadium thanks to a late header from Northern Ireland international Dom Ballard, which sent the Stadium of Light into raptures.

Now, the Sunderland Echo has revealed that the Mackems could be in for a double injury boost that may strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming showdown against Sheffield United in the richest game in football.

It's been reported that both Abdullahi and Alese are both close to a return to full fitness, and whilst it seems unlikely, both could well be available for selection at Wembley, should Regis Le Bris call upon them.

It's been a long road back to fitness for both of the aforementioned players, as they suffered from injuries which have kept them out for lengthy periods of time.

Alese suffered a broken leg and damage to his hand in a third-round FA Cup clash against Stoke City in January, but the Sunderland Echo has reported that the former West Ham United prospect has made better progress than expected in his recovery.

This could see him brought back into the matchday squad if he fully trains next week.

Abdullahi is yet to make his Sunderland debut after signing from Gent on summer deadline day 2024. After spending all season on the sidelines recovering from a groin injury, the Nigerian recently suffered a concussion which set him back ahead of the play-off semi-finals.

However, the latest reports suggest that the 20-year-old returned to full training ahead of the first leg against Coventry City. Whilst his involvement in the final looks unlikely, it's positive news to see Abdullahi back in training.

The report also stated that defender Niall Huggins has returned to full training, but is unlikely to feature at Wembley. Winger Ian Poveda has also failed to return to training, so will be missing the final.

Abdullahi has become a forgotten man at the Stadium of Light

With a memorable season on the pitch, it would be fair to say that Abdullahi has become somewhat of a forgotten man on Wearside due to his unfortunate injury setback.

Sunderland have been unlucky when it comes to signing strikers this season, as not only Abdullahi failed to register a single senior appearance for the Black Cats. Winter signing Jayden Danns will never pull on the red and white stripes, following an injury upon signing for the club.

However, the latest update regarding the fitness of Abdullahi is a positive one for Sunderland supporters, despite the concussion setback.

To have the 20-year-old ready for pre-season will be a bonus, so Le Bris can evaluate him before deciding whether to keep the striker or loan him out.

The former Gent man displayed his excellent goalscoring abilities for Sunderland's under-21s team on his road to recovery, and will no doubt be looking to translate that into senior football next season.