Sunderland defender Aji Alese is ‘confident’ that he’ll be fit for the Championship game vs Millwall this weekend, according to journalist Scott Wilson.

The Lowdown: Road to recovery

The centre-back sustained a foot injury during the 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in October and has been ruled out of action ever since, though has now made positive progress in his rehabilitation.

The Black Cats recently returned from a week-long training camp in Dubai which saw the 21-year-old step up his recovery and play 45 minutes in a friendly against Al-Shabab, putting him in firm contention to be considered on Saturday.

The Latest: Alese fitness update

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Wilson said that Alese believes he is ready to stage a comeback at the Stadium of Light following what will be an almost two-month absence. He wrote:

“Aji Alese played 45 minutes of #SAFC's friendly with Al-Shabab on Friday - and is confident he'll be back to full tilt for next weekend's return to Championship action against Millwall...”

The Verdict: Boost for Mowbray

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray will know just how much of an integral member Alese is in his squad so it’ll be a huge boost if he is declared fit enough to play upon the return of domestic action.

The 6 foot 2 colossus was averaging 2.7 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.6 aerial wins per league game prior to his injury, with two man-of-the-match awards in just seven starts to his name (WhoScored).

The Black Cats are just four points outside the playoffs with Alese having kept six clean sheets, and his return will only increase his side’s chances of reducing the deficit in the race for promotion.