Mike Dodds: Sunderland interim boss hopeful of imminent returnees amid slump

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Mike Dodds hopes to welcome back some personnel after a run of seven games without a win

Sunderland will have some timely returnees for the double-header over Easter to help reverse their Championship slump, said Mike Dodds.

Saturday's stalemate with QPR ended a six-game losing run for the Wearsiders, but it is now seven games since their most recent win over Plymouth Argyle.

The slide has coincided with the absence of key players such as Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and Aji Alese.

"We're going to have some bodies back," boss Dodds told 大象传媒 Radio Newcastle.

"You don't need to be a football expert to see that is going to be a huge boost to the group.

"But look, they're giving everything, I can't question their effort and endeavour. But at the moment we're short and I can't flower that up."

Corry Evans, Alese and Bradley Dack are three players who could make their return for the Cardiff City game away on 29 March or the visit of Blackburn Rovers on 1 April.