An update has emerged on Sunderland centre-forward Ellis Simms and his current injury situation...

What's the talk?

Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray has revealed that the striker is now back in training after missing the last four Championship matches due to picking up a knock in the 3-0 win over Reading.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, he said:

“Things have changed a bit because Ellis is getting his boots on and getting back out on the grass today. It’s his first day back on the grass.

“He’s been on the treadmills which take your body weight out of it and get your running action going, and he felt fine, so he’s getting his boots on and coming outside today, which is obviously a positive sign.

“If he comes through the next few days, you never know, hopefully he won’t be that far away.”

Mowbray should be buzzing

Mowbray should now be buzzing as he has not had any natural strikers available for the last four league matches, in which Sunderland have scored three goals.

The likes of Elliot Embleton and Alex Pritchard have lined up at the top end of the pitch and that has led to the Black Cats failing to score in two of their last three games, as they have desperately missed Ross Stewart and Simms.

Stewart could be out until after the World Cup with a thigh injury and that is why this fresh update on the on-loan Everton forward is a big relief for the head coach, as it suggests that he will have a number nine to call upon sooner rather than later.

It remains to be seen whether or not he will be available as an option from the bench against Wigan, or if he will have to wait until the trip to Blackburn Rovers in midweek, but his return will be a huge boost to the team when he is able to get back out on the pitch.

Only four players have averaged a higher SofaScore rating than Simms (7.08) in the Championship for Sunderland this season as he has settled into life at the Stadium of Light with ease.

The striker has scored three goals and created two 'big chances' for his teammates in just eight appearances in the division so far this term, which shows that he has the quality to score and create in the final third at this level.

Mowbray will, therefore, be delighted to have the forward back in training as the potential impact he could have on the pitch in the coming weeks could be a huge boost to their chances of climbing up the table.