Aji Alese expressed his happiness on social media at making a “huge step” toward rejoining the Sunderland team.
Only 33 minutes of senior football have been played by the defender since he sustained a thigh injury in March.
Aji Alese was a standout player for Sunderland’s inaugural season after joining from West Ham in the summer. However, his season was cut short as he appeared to be sidelined for several months following his third injury since joining.
The 22-year-old was available for Sunderland’s play-off second-leg meeting against Luton Town, despite missing the final 12 games of the regular season.
Alese appeared for 33 minutes at Kenilworth Road, but it was later revealed that he experienced a setback and would require surgery.
Alese last played for Sunderland seven months ago, but it appears like he is finally making significant progress in his return.
The adaptable defender at last donned his boots as Sunderland U21’s starting lineup on Monday, when they were defeated by Arsenal, came up from the bench.
After halftime, Alese entered the game and emerged from Eppleton Colliery uninjured. Other players that appeared included Timothee Pembele, Jenson Seelt, and Nazariy Rusyn.
After making his first appearance since beginning his rehabilitation, the West Ham academy graduate has now addressed his supporters, posting on social media the following: “Massive step in the right direction after 7 months out.” 45 minutes remaining in the battery!
Although it looks doubtful that the 22-year-old will be ready to join the team on matchday for Michael Beale’s first game as manager, he might return after Christmas.
Can Aji Alese impress Michael Beale?
Even though Aji Alese’s first season on Wearside was adored by Sunderland supporters, he won’t necessarily be able to return if Beale arrives. Nevertheless, the 43-year-old was present on Monday night and, ideally, his performance in the second half will have impressed.
Though Beale does not have many choices for defense, perhaps he will give Alese another shot. The defender played left-back for the Black Cats most of the time, but given Niall Huggins’s recent play, he might be forced back into a central role.
Alese is undoubtedly one of our greatest defenders, so it would be a shame to see him underutilized on the sidelines. Hopefully, he can regain his peak form and provide our defense with even more depth.
Even so, Jenson Seelt is doing a fantastic job of fighting for a spot following a strong showing against Leeds United. All the same, it’s good to finally have some opposition for Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien.
