CORRY Evans is recovering well from a hamstring injury and should return next week as expected according to manager Lee Johnson. 

Black Cats captain Evans is ruled out for the game at the Stadium of Light because of a hamstring injury he picked up in the win over MK Dons last weekend. He also played no part in the midweek defeat to Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium. 

The Northern Ireland international is expected to return in the next week and Johnson says he’s progressing well in his recovery while he has one other injury problem ahead of tomorrow's League One tie against AFC Wimbledon. 

Johnson, who timed Evans recovery at ten to fourteen days after the midweek defeat to Burton Albion said: “You’re always conscious to put a timeline on something. It’s good news and he’s feeling good.

“His next phase now is to get working on his cardio whether that be working on the bike or out running so I wouldn’t say we are worried. He could potentially be back for the Wycombe game.

Ahead of the game, Johnson only has one new injury concern to contend with as he makes final preparations to his Sunderland squad. 

“We’re in a good space physically. There’s only Corry Evans. Ollie Younger picked up a little knock or a little feeling in his hamstring.

It’s not a tear, it’s just a little pinch point so he will be rested over the next three or four days. Obviously you know Denver (Hume’s) situation as he returns back to full fitness. I think, apart from that, everybody is good.”

Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light for the first time in a fortnight against an AFC Wimbledon side who have not been beaten this season in all competitions.