Friday 4 September 2015 10:16, UK
Winger Adam Johnson will return to training next week after recovering from a shoulder injury that has ruled him out of Sunderland's last three games.
Manager Dick Advocaat has confirmed that midfielder Jordi Gomez is also close to fitness after recovering from knee surgery in the spring.
The news is a boost to the Black Cats, who remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League with two points from their opening four games.
"This week Adam had to go to the doctor for the final time - but everything is OK with his legs," said Advocaat. "So he's started running and then maybe he can start training next week.
"Jordi is getting better and better," he added. "He is improving, so in a couple of weeks he will be a member of the squad."
However, defender Adam Matthews has been ruled out for another four weeks after injuring his ankle in the 6-3 League Cup win against Exeter last month.
Sunderland face Tottenham at the Stadium of Light, live on Sky Sports on September 13.
