Régis Le Bris ‘to get’ £17.5million boost with Angulo nearing return for Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Nilson Angulo is edging towards a Sunderland return after injury, offering Régis Le Bris a potential boost before Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Sunderland Echo reports that the 22-year-old is close to rejoining training and could be named in Sunday’s travelling squad to Villa, although he is unlikely to feature. A home comeback against Forest on 24 April is viewed as the more realistic target.

Angulo was pictured back at the Academy of Light last week after a muscle problem that sidelined him before the 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on 14 March. Le Bris initially put his recovery at four to six weeks, and the winger missed several games, including the Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle. The head coach is expected to be asked about his availability at his pre-Villa press conference.

His rehab also curtailed international duties, with Angulo withdrawing from Ecuador’s recent friendlies against Morocco and the Netherlands to continue work on Wearside. Head coach Sebastián Beccacece confirmed he left the camp early and returned to England with midfielder Patrik Mercado.

Signed from Anderlecht in January for around £17.5million after seven goals and eight assists in 30 games, Angulo has made five Premier League appearances, three starts, without a goal or assist.

Sunderland are 10th, two points off sixth-placed Chelsea, with six matches left, starting at Aston Villa then Forest, Wolves, Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea. His return would add a wide option, with minutes likely managed as fitness builds.

Source: Sunderland Echo