This is the latest on Elliot Embleton as youngster edges closer to Sunderland return
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Embleton suffered a frustrating campaign last time out, earning a place in the starting XI for the first game of the season before injuries seriously affected his progress.
Hamstring problems meant that the talented 21-year-old last played a competitive game for the Black Cats on September 25th, 2019.
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Hide AdThe attacking midfielder was nearing a return to fitness as the UK went into lockdown and the League One season was brought to an early conclusion.
He played a full part in the early stages of pre-season and started against Gateshead in Sunderland’s first friendly, but was forced off with the thigh issue.
Whie he has nearly recovered from that injury, Parkinson has warned that he will need significant action in the U23 side before he can be considered for senior selection.
“Elliot is making progress,” Parkinson said.
“We hope he will be training next week but he'll need a few U23 games before he can put himself up for selection because he hasn't played for a long time.”.
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Hide AdHowever, the U23’s season opener away at Burnley on Monday is likely to come too soon for Embleton.
Having closely studied Embleton’s successful loan at Grimsby Town in the 2018/19 season, Parkinson is adamant that he has a role to play this season.
The Black Cats boss was impressed with his quality during pre-season, saying that he could be a ‘bonus’ player for the Black Cats.