Sunderland fans have been given a welcome boost ahead of the international break, with the news that Tommy Watson is nearing a return to his best form. The young winger has been out of action for several weeks due to injury, but he took a significant step towards full fitness with a promising display for the Under-21s against Leeds United.
Watson’s season has been disrupted by injury, but he had previously established himself as one of Regis Le Bris’ most productive players. The 21-year-old winger had a whirlwind couple of months earlier in the season, stepping in for Romaine Mundle and making a significant impact on the pitch.
However, his progress was halted by an injury suffered in the New Year, and Watson has been working his way back to full fitness ever since. His return to action has been gradual, with Watson featuring in the last three games for the Sunderland first-team, including a start against Preston North End last week.
Despite his return to action, Watson had looked a little off the pace, but his display for the Under-21s against Leeds United suggests that he is now sharper and more confident. Graeme Murty handed Watson a start for the Under-21s, and he played for 63 minutes, coming close with three shots in the second half before being substituted.
James Copley, who watched the game, noted that Watson was “very bright” during the opening period and looked sharper than he had in recent first-team appearances. This is encouraging news for Sunderland fans, who will be hoping that Watson can play a key role in the final eight games of the season and in the club’s play-off adventure.
Watson’s return to form is timely, as Sunderland’s automatic promotion hopes have taken a hit in recent weeks. The Black Cats drew with Preston North End and suffered a dismal defeat to Coventry City, leaving them with a significant gap to bridge if they are to catch up with the top two.
Regis Le Bris admitted that Sunderland deserved nothing from the game against Coventry City, but he also insisted that the club’s small squad simply needs a reset and a refresh over the international break. With Watson nearing a return to his best form, Sunderland fans will be hoping that their team can come back stronger and more determined after the break.
In the immediate future, Watson will be focused on playing a key role in Sunderland’s final eight games of the season. However, his long-term future remains uncertain. Watson was targeted by Premier League clubs in the January transfer window, and he may well attract interest again in the summer.
Sunderland want Watson to sign a new contract, but the youngster was keen on moving on in the winter window, and he may well chase that opportunity again in the summer. Whether Watson remains a Mackem next season depends largely on his form from here until the end of the season, and what division Sunderland will compete in for the 2025/26 campaign.
One thing is certain, however: Tommy Watson is a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him. Sunderland fans will be hoping that he can play a key role in the club’s success in the coming weeks and months, and that he will remain at the Stadium of Light for years to come.
Leave a Reply