Former Leeds United winger Ian Poveda is likely to be fit to play against the Whites when they visit the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.
Poveda joined Sunderland from Leeds on a free transfer after a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday and has played just 17 minutes in the Championship since moving to Wearside in the summer.
He had a difficult pre-season and has been struggling for fitness at the start of the 2024/25 Championship campaign but he has his manager’s confidence.
The winger is looking to build back his career at Sunderland who are sitting second in the league table and are emerging as serious promotion contenders alongside teams such as Leeds and Burnley.
However, things are looking up for the player and he has been declared fit to feature against Watford at Vicarage Road this weekend.
Ex-Leeds United winger is looking good for Whites reunion next week
Sunderland have a mid-week home game against Derby County on Tuesday night and will welcome Leeds to the Stadium of Light a week from today.
If Poveda doesn’t pick up a fresh problem, he could be fit enough to start against his former team Leeds on Wearside next week.
The winger struggled during his time at Leeds but will now be looking to prove himself against his former employers if he gets a chance.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris confirmed the winger’s fitness status this week and admitted that he will need some game time to get back into rhythm.
However, the Black Cats boss is confident that Sunderland will get to see the former Leeds winger’s qualities soon.
“Ian should be available for Watford”, he told the Sunderland Echo.
“Ian had a long period without a team and this can impact you, you can lose a week or two when you feel discomfort.
“He is in this period at the moment, he needs one or two weeks and maybe one or two good performances on the pitch just to create that feeling of confidence.
“I am confident in him.”
