Sunderland will face Cambridge United in an important game that could make or break their chances of a play-off position, and Alex Neil has revealed a huge injury boost ahead of the game.

What's the word?

The Black Cats boss took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that Alex Pritchard will be available for selection in the game today.

Neil told the press (via ChronicleLive): "Alex is a lot closer than he had been. He just missed out on the last game [at Plymouth on Monday], and I'd imagine he will feature tomorrow. We've also got a few bumps and bruises that we need to assess between now and tomorrow."

Supporters will be buzzing

Supporters will surely be buzzing to see Alex Pritchard back in action as the season draws to a close, and having this fitness boost can only be a positive in the Mackem's pursuit for a spot in the play-offs.

The attacking midfielder has made 41 appearances with four goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, but picked up an ankle injury that has been causing him problems since the beginning of March.

The 28-year-old offers presence all over the pitch with eight big chances created, 2.1 key passes, 1.5 shots and 1.2 tackles on average per game, proving that he could really trouble the Cambridge defenders if he does feature.

This attacking output from Pritchard will be a huge advantage for Sunderland in their final push for a position in the top six, and if they do manage to secure play-offs, his availability will certainly be valued in the midfield allowing Neil to freshen up his team over the next few weeks.

Sunderland are currently seventh with a game in hand on Wycombe Wanderers in sixth and Plymouth Argyle in fifth, so taking all three points from this game will be absolutely crucial and put the Black Cats in prime position to secure the finish they need, with no room for error at this stage of the season.

AND in other news: Sunderland handed "big" boost as fresh injury update emerges, Neil will be buzzing