Lee Cattermole to return to full training with Sunderland next week

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has revealed that he expects Lee Cattermole to return to full training next week.

The midfielder has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during the Black Cats' goalless draw with Aston Villa on December 28.

Almost a fortnight ago, Poyet suggested that Cattermole may need surgery, but it appears that the 26-year-old is recovering well.

"If everything goes as planned he should be training with us on Monday," The Chronicle quotes Poyet as saying. "To have Lee back will be a huge boost."

Sunderland are currently two points above the relegation zone in the Premier League table.