Benji Kimpioka is around a month away from a return to full training - with Lee Johnson admitting the young striker will need to be eased back into action gradually.
Kimpioka has been sidelined with a hamstring injury he suffered playing for Sunderland's U23s at the end of October, and he needed surgery in November to repair the damage.
New head coach Johnson says the 20-year-old still has several more weeks of rehabilitation ahead of him, but adds that he is looking forward to working with the Sweden U21 international.
Sunderland are looking to add to their firepower in the January transfer window as they aim to mount a promotion challenge in the second half of the season, and Kimpioka's eventual return will also give them an extra option.
But Johnson is wary of heaping too much pressure on Kimpioka's shoulders given the length of time he has been out.
"Benji is still between three and five weeks away," said Johnson.
"He is a player I’m looking forward to seeing and looking forward to working with.
"But in the position we find ourselves in, it is a big ask for someone to return from an injury like that and be expected to hit the ground running.
"He seems a lovely lad though, and he has the raw attributes we require in that forward area.
"It’ll be good to work with him but we won’t push him too hard because his health is the most important thing, and looking after his body for the long-term so he can be a real success here."
Johnson is keen to bring in another frontman before the transfer deadline passes on Monday, and if they can line up a deal it may allow Will Grigg to leave on loan - with Shrewsbury seemingly favourites to land him - which would create the necessary room in the wage budget.
Sunderland have already brought in three new players in the current transfer window, with midfielder Carl Winchester joining from League Two Forest Green Rovers earlier this month, while young Southampton left-back Jake Vokins and Rangers winger Jordan Jones joined on loan yesterday.
