Sunderland have confirmed that Dennis Cirkin has returned to light training following wrist surgery – but the defender is still set to miss the opening three Premier League fixtures.
The left-back, 23, has been sidelined throughout pre-season but has now stepped up his recovery at the Academy of Light. Despite the progress, Cirkin is not expected to feature against West Ham United, Burnley or Brentford, with his comeback pencilled in for after the September international break.
Cirkin is entering the final year of his Sunderland contract, with just 12 months remaining on his current deal. The Dublin-born defender, who joined the Black Cats from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021, has been an important figure when fit but has endured a frustrating run of injuries.
Talks over a new contract are yet to be finalised, leaving his long-term future uncertain as he recovers from wrist surgery. Cirkin’s situation mirrors that of midfielder Dan Neil, who is also approaching the final year of his deal. Both players have attracted Premier League interest in recent seasons.
Régis Le Bris’ side will also be without Aji Alese and Luke O’Nien, who are continuing their rehabilitation from shoulder surgery, while Leo Hjelde is recovering from Achilles surgery. The update comes as Sunderland prepare for their final two pre-season fixtures.
The Black Cats travel to Germany to face Bundesliga side FC Augsburg on Saturday before returning to the Stadium of Light to take on La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Augsburg finished 12th in the German top flight last season under new boss Sandro Wagner, while Rayo secured an eighth-placed finish in Spain and boasted one of La Liga’s strongest defensive records.
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