After a frustrating seven-game absence, Sunderland fans have reason to be optimistic this weekend. Star winger Bertrand Traore is in line to make his long-awaited return to the squad when the Black Cats face Everton on Sunday.

The Burkina Faso international has been sidelined since re-aggravating a knee injury, a setback that has tested both his patience and the club's medical staff. But head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Traore's recovery has turned a corner, and he could be back in the matchday mix for this crucial fixture.

"At the minute, we have a full group, so I had to make a decision last week," Le Bris explained. "His trajectory was probably a bit different compared to Jocelin and Nilson, who were also returning. Because it was a re-injury for Bertrand, I needed more time to feel comfortable with his selection."

Le Bris, known for his cautious approach with player fitness, emphasized the unique challenge of managing a re-injury. "It's not easy to manage a re-injury, and it was a new injury for him as well. In a career, sometimes you have an ankle injury and then a re-injury, so you know the timeline. But for him, with his knee, it was totally new. Because it was a re-injury, I think it was important to be a bit more cautious. This week, however, has been much, much better."

Traore's potential return couldn't come at a better time for Sunderland, who will be looking to inject some attacking flair against a tough Everton side. For fans, seeing the dynamic winger back on the pitch will feel like a new signing—one that could make all the difference in the weeks ahead.