Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has shared that Ross Stewart is 'not far away' from returning from injury.

The Lowdown: Out since September

The Scotland international has been out since September with injury, having previously played every minute of the Stadium of Light club's opening seven league games (Transfermarkt).

The striker started off the season on fire, with five goals and three assists upon the Wearside club's return to the Championship (two of the ten matches that he has sat out.

The Latest: Back in training

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the Black Cats' trip to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night, Mowbray has confirmed (via The Chronicle) that Stewart is back in training with the physios and is 'not far away' from a return from injury.

The 58-year-old said: "Ross was on the training pitches today - with the physios, not with the team - but it was good to see him with his boots on and kicking a football, which is telling me he is not far away."

The Verdict: Big boost for Sunderland

It will no doubt be a big boost to Sunderland supporters to hear that Stewart is back in training and could make a return in the near future.

His form at the start of the campaign speaks for itself, still ranking as their best overall performer in the Championship, with no other player in the squad averaging more aerial duels won or shots taken per game (WhoScored).

Furthermore, with Ellis Simms returning from injury recently as well, Mowbray is starting to get some quality forward options back after playing recent matches without a recognised striker.