CORRY Evans is set to take a major step towards a first team return with some action for the Under-21s after rejoining the squad in training.

It's a major boost for the Black Cats and the midfielder, who has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury in January last year.

It's too early for Evans to be in contention for first team action at this stage but he's now back in full training and will get some crucial match minutes for the Under-21s in the coming weeks.

And in a further boost, Callum Styles is set to join full training for the first time since joining the club in January. Tomorrow's game at Huddersfield will come too soon but Styles could be available for the game at Birmingham this weekend.

Updating on the injury situation, Beale said: "Some good news, Corry Evans is back on the grass now but is going to do a couple of days with the under-21s group to phase him back in.

"Callum Styles will rejoin the group today for his first session. The game tomorrow will be too early for him but he may be in contention for the weekend."

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There was, however, a minor injury setback for Sunderland, with Elliot Embleton's return for the Under-21s delayed after rolling his ankle in training.

Embleton was due to return to the Under-21s on Friday night but the scheduled game against Leicester was postponed and his comeback is now on hold.

"He rolled his ankle a bit yesterday so is going to miss a couple of days," said Beale of Embleton.

"The plan was for him to play this weekend with the second team but that might get pushed back. It's just one of these things, the game is harsh sometimes. You are just getting ready for your first game back and then it gets called off, then the very next session you roll your ankle."