Larsson nears Sunderland return

Sebastian Larsson has given Sunderland boss David Moyes a welcome boost by claiming he is close to returning from injury, after a frustrating start to the new campaign.

The Swedish midfielder nursed his knee problem through last season and the European Championships in France, but the strain eventually took its toll and he underwent surgery in August.

The 31-year-old watched from the sidelines as the Black Cats made a slow start to the season, with no wins from their first six games.

They sit bottom of the Premier League table but Larsson hopes his return will coincide with an upturn in form.

Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

“So far it’s gone really well but obviously I’m very eager to push and do even more, so hopefully that will come shortly,” he said.

“When you play football you’re used to being able to move about and do things, so when you’re stuck in a brace and you can’t move very well it gets frustrating.

“After a week of that I’d had enough so it’s nice to be moving about and pushing in the right direction.”

Sunderland face West Brom at the Stadium of Light this weekend before back-to-back away games at fellow strugglers Stoke and West Ham.

Larsson hopes to be involved soon and says he has ramped up his training intensity as he edges nearer to full fitness.

“I’ve got no crutches and no brace on my knee anymore and I’m managing to do quite a bit now,” he added.