Julio Arca is flying back from South America to offer Sunderland a welcome boost in their Champions League bid, writes JACK LESLIE.

The winger has been out of the country for a month helping Argentina finish second behind Brazil in the South American Under-20 championships.

Now the teenager is set to return just when Sunderland need him most following back-to-back defeats, against Manchester United and Derby.

What boss Peter Reid might find galling is that Argentina, as hosts, qualify automatically for the World Under-20 tournament in June whether Arca played for them last month or not.

They took part in the competition anyway, finishing behind Brazil after a 1-1 draw with Paraguay in their final match on Sunday. Brazil's success was soured by allegations of unsporting behaviour, including a claim that Paraguayan striker Daniel Ferreira had his nose broken in a tunnel fight.

Reid could certainly have done with Arca as an outlet on the left because Sunderland have failed to score in four out of seven games during his absence.

But he'll be happy to have the youngster available for Saturday's game against Liverpool, where victory would lift the Wearsiders back into third spot. Kevin Phillips will also welcome Arca's return after an uncharacteristic lean league spell stretching back to New Year's Day.

Arca, who can play on the wing or as a wingback, could be needed as an emergency left back for the FA cup fifth round tie against West Ham on Saturday week because Michael Gray is suspended.

Reid has taken his squad to Scotland for a four-day break to recharge batteries ahead of the Liverpool game. Defender Darren Williams said: "We don't talk about Europe but it's a dogfight for second place and we don't need anything to motivate us. This is the first time we have lost two games in a row for a long time and we can't afford to let it get us down.