Long-term Sunderland absentees, Ian Poveda and Jenson Seelt are set to step up their recoveries and gain vital minutes for the U21s – starting against Benfica on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Ahmed Abdullahi has spoken of his “relief” at being back out on the pitch having played for the U21s against West Ham last Friday.

Seelt, who signed from PSV in the summer of 2023, suffered a cruciate ligament injury which required an operation 10 months ago. The Dutch defender made 17 appearances for the Black Cats but has recently returned to full training with the squad.

Summer signing Poveda picked up a thigh injury in a 2-0 victory over Derby County. The former Leeds attacker made three appearances for the Lads before being sidelined in October.

READ MORE: 'Stadium of Light is ruthless - but exceptional teen is fearless enough to play for Sunderland'

READ MORE: 'Makes sense' - fresh Jobe Bellingham Dortmund transfer claim amid Sunderland promotion hope

Head coach Regis Le Bris confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of tonight's Championship clash at Derby that both players are ready to progress to the next stage of their recoveries. He said: “Jenson is training fully with us now and will play the first part of the game against Benfica in the U21s fixture on Wednesday evening. Ian should also play against Benfica.”

The duo's return could be a massive boost for the Black Cats as they get deeper into the second half of the season. Poveda, a Colombia international, could provide extra firepower down the flanks with Sunderland known to be hoping to increase their goal threat.

Le Bris also provided positive updates on Alan Browne and Abdullahi, who recently made his first appearance in last week’s Premier League 2 fixture against West Ham.

“With Browney, he needs one week more before he can join us in full training," he said. “Ahmed will need some more time because he was injured for a long time and he’s a young player. To be ready for the first team, I think he is going to need two or three games with the U21s.”

Abdullahi has provided an update on his progress after that first appearance in red and white in the 1-0 defeat to the Hammers. After signing in the summer from KAA Gent, the frontman has been sidelined with a groin injury, undergoing surgery at the start of the season.

Abdullahi said: “I was delighted to be back on the pitch. This has been a long time coming and I am really pleased. Getting some minutes in the tank after being out for so long was important.

“It is a relief I have come off the pitch feeling okay. This is just the start of my journey back.”

The Nigerian youth international gained 45 minutes in the tank with a planned change at the break. He continued: “It is good to not feel the pain anymore. It is important I keep building up my minutes.

“I have had to be patient but everyone at the club has been 100% supportive. I have a good bond with my team-mates and now I am excited to build on this momentum.”