An update has emerged on Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts and his fitness ahead of the club's Championship clash with Luton...

What's the latest?

According to the Sunderland Echo, the former Manchester City forward was not involved in team training in the opening session at the Stadium of Light this week.

The report claims that he did not train alongside the rest of the squad as they prepared for the trip to Kenilworth Road to face Luton this weekend.

Roberts was not in the squad for the 4-2 defeat to Burnley last Saturday and Tony Mowbray revealed that his absence was due to a minor injury issue, saying:

"I don't think it's anything serious but he wasn't fit and available today.

"We'll see how the week goes. Historically, I don't think Patrick has played three-game weeks all the time and he has picked up a knock in training and is uncomfortable.

"The decision I had to make was whether it was worth risking him and he might be out for eight to ten weeks, or should we give him a breather in this game and let's give someone else an opportunity."

Big blow

This latest update could be a big blow for Mowbray as Roberts has seemingly not overcome the issue that he was dealing with last weekend.

The manager described his absence against Burnley as giving the gem a breather but his lack of involvement, in any capacity, in the open training session suggests that he is a doubt for the trip to Luton as he is yet to get back to full fitness.

Roberts has been in good form this season since making the step up to the Championship with the club, after joining them in League One last term.

He has played 12 matches in the division so far this term and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.88 - a score only six players can beat in the squad and three of them - Aji Alese, Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms - are either out injured or only just coming back.

He has scored two goals and provided one assist, whilst creating 0.8 chances and completing 2.5 dribbles per match. These statistics show that the Englishman has been a threat on the ball as he has the quality to beat opposition defenders before creating opportunities for his teammates, as well as chipping in with the odd goal himself.

The winger has also made 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game, winning 50% of his individual duels, as he has shown a willingness to work hard for the team out of possession.

Therefore, losing Roberts for the clash with Luton would be a big blow for Mowbray as he has been one of the club's top performers in the Championship and has the potential to be a match-winner on his day.

Hopefully, missing this training session was a precaution and he has not suffered a serious injury setback that will keep him out for an extended period of time.