Turner Closes In On Full Fitness

Turner, 27, has missed the last three months of our successful season after colliding with a post in the 2-2 draw against Everton.

The English centre-back has joined light training this week and should be back in full training by next week.

This is great news as Sunderland look to be recovering slowly from a bad run of injuries throughout the squad.

Turner said: “It`s been a frustrating time but all players pick up injuries in their career and thankfully I don`t get too many.

“It`s the longest I`ve ever been out with an injury.

“Prior to this, the worst injury I had had was an ankle problem that kept me out for about three or four weeks earlier this season.

“It`s been a long process, but hopefully I am coming to the end of it now.

“I`ve started light training this week and hopefully I can kick on again next week and then I won`t be far away.

“I`m desperate to get back playing again. I`ve been watching the boys over Christmas and into the New Year, but, of course, it has been frustrating not being involved.

“It`s just a case of getting my head down and doing everything I can to get back as quickly as possible.”