AliousSunderland have received a significant injury boost at a pivotal moment in their season, with encouraging updates emerging ahead of key Premier League clashes against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Few expected the Black Cats to be in this position. Back in the top flight for the first time in nearly a decade, Régis Le Bris’ side have defied expectations and are now firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
Their narrow 1-0 victory over Tottenham last weekend — sealed by Nordi Mukiele — pushed them within touching distance of seventh place and just six points off the top five, fueling genuine belief on Wearside.Momentum is building at exactly the right time.
Three wins from their last four outings have injected confidence into the squad, and with a relatively manageable fixture list that includes Wolves, Everton, and Nottingham Forest — alongside tougher trips to Aston Villa and Manchester United — Sunderland have a real opportunity to sustain their push.
However, injuries have threatened to derail that charge in recent weeks, making the latest development all the more important.Nilson Angulo, who has been sidelined since mid-March, is now closing in on a return.
Reports indicate the winger is in the final phase of his recovery, with club medical staff optimistic about his progress. While a comeback against Aston Villa this weekend may come slightly too soon, there is growing belief he could be available for selection when Nottingham Forest visit the Stadium of Light later this month.
The 22-year-old, who joined from Anderlecht in a £17.5 million deal during the winter window, was quickly becoming a vital part of Sunderland’s attacking setup before injury struck. His seven goals and eight assists in Belgium highlighted his quality, and he had already begun to show flashes of that promise in England.
His absence has been felt. A muscle injury suffered in training ahead of the defeat to Brighton ruled him out for several weeks, and the situation was briefly complicated when he was initially called up by Ecuador despite being unfit. That decision was swiftly reversed, allowing him to continue rehabilitation with Sunderland.
Now back training on the grass, Angulo’s return could provide a major boost to Le Bris’ attacking options. In his absence, players like Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi have stepped in, but the Ecuadorian’s pace, creativity, and directness offer something different — and potentially decisive — as the season reaches its climax.
With the stakes rising and European football within reach, Sunderland may be welcoming back a key weapon at exactly the right time.
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