Sunderland have been handed a big injury lift ahead of their clash with Oxford United in League One this weekend...

What's the latest?

Alex Neil has revealed that his squad has not been hit with any fresh issues, and he is now looking to step up the involvement of some of the players who have been struggling of late.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "We should be as we were for last weekend in terms of availability, though of course we're still two days away from the game."

On Alex Pritchard and Nathan Broadhead, who both recently returned from their respective injuries, Neil said: "With every day and every game that becomes a step closer [them being able to step up their involvement].

"So last weekend he [Broadhead] had 30 minutes and hopefully we'll see more of him in the remaining games. Alex again, he came off after 60 minutes to protect him and hopefully moving forward we can see more of him."

Buzzing

This update will surely leave the Stadium of Light faithful buzzing for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the Black Cats are unbeaten in seven League One matches, and supporters will be delighted that the squad will be the same as it ensures consistency in team selection. Players are able to forge connections on the pitch and master their individual roles in the system, instead of constant chopping and changing causing inconsistency on the pitch.

Therefore, having no fresh injury issues means that they can hopefully continue their fine form. They have not conceded a goal since 8 March and have kept five clean sheets in their last six league matches, which shows that the lack of selection problems has helped Neil to build a formidable team, duly making this latest update a major boost to Sunderland.

Supporters will also be elated by the head coach's comments on Broadhead being able to step up his involvement. The 24-year-old came off the bench to head home the last-gasp winner against Gillingham and has been in impressive form throughout the campaign.

Broadhead has scored six goals in nine League One starts and can boast eight goals in his last 11 matches in all competitions. He has shown that he can make a difference at this level, and therefore fans will surely want to see him getting more minutes on the pitch to work his magic in the final third, which is why they will be delighted with this update from Neil.

AND in other news, Sunderland will rue call on "unstoppable" 492-goal ace who has "the strength of Mike Tyson"...