Sunderland AFC handed big Ian Poveda boost ahead of Watford | OneFootball

It has been a frustrating start to the campaign for one of the Black Cats' summer signings

Sunderland could have Ian Poveda back in contention for selection for their trip to Watford on Saturday afternoon.

That's according to Black Cats manager Regis Le Bris, who is hopeful that the winger will be able to train ahead of that game.

Poveda joined Sunderland back in the summer transfer window, signing on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Leeds United.

He signed an initial three-year contract at the club, securing his future at The Stadium of Light until the end of the 2026/27 season.

So far though, the start of the campaign has been a frustrating one for Poveda from an individual perspective, although it seems that may be about to change.

Ian Poveda in line for return from injury

Having missed Sunderland's first three games of the season due to injury, the winger was an unused substitute in the win over Burnley last month.

He then made his debut the following week, coming off the bench as a late substitute in the victory at Portsmouth.

However, Poveda then picked up a thigh injury, that has kept him out of the Black Cats last two matches.

Now though, it seems as though the 24-year-old is ready to be involved in training again, and with a week to prepare for the trip to Watford, that could put him in contention for that match.

Providing an update on Poveda ahead of that clash at Vicarage Road at the weekend, Le Bris was quoted by The Sunderland Echo as saying: "I think he will be available for our next training sessions, yes."

Despite the limited role Poveda has played this season, it has still been a strong start to the season for the Black Cats.

Victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday made it five wins from six league games at the start of the Championship season for Le Bris' side.

As a result, they currently sit second in the early standings, with 15 points to their name, putting them just one behind leaders West Brom.

After that clash with Watford on Saturday, Sunderland will also face Derby County and Leeds United within the space of a week.

Winger return is a boost for Sunderland

The fact that Poveda looks as though he will soon be back in action can surely only be seen as a good thing for the Black Cats.

During the second half of last season, the winger stood out during a spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, playing a key role in their great escape from Championship relegation.

That showed just how good he can be at this level, and suggests he is able to be a major asset for Sunderland now he is at The Stadium of Light.

So far injuries have prevented him form doing that, but this update does seem to suggest that things could be about to change.

Given the excellent start they have already made to the campaign, adding Poveda into the mix as well is surely exciting for the Black Cats.

Indeed, with some big games coming up in a short space of time, it could also be important in terms of giving Le Bris the squad depth to cope with the challenges of the schedule.

With all that in mind, this latest update on Poveda will no doubt be a very welcome one for Sunderland.