Despite the news coming out earlier in the day, I waited until past noon to read too much into things and avoid an elaborate hoax, but it seems for sure now that Michael Turner HAS returned to training.
Turner returned to the training ground yesterday and was involved in some light training exercises.
It's yet more good news for Sunderland, as now that leaves only Irish midfielder David Meyler as the only long-term absentee.
Turner's return would seem a little too soon to be involved against Manchester City on Sunday, especially with no match action under his belt, but he could get a run out in the reserves on April 12th against, ironically, Manchester City's second string.The reserves head to Arsenal away before then, but it's thought that it's more likely he'll feature in a training matches at the Academy Of Light instead as the lanky defender ramps up his comeback.
The defender has plenty time on his hands after all to get back to full fitness with John Mensah & Titus Bramble doing alright in the middle, and Anton Ferdinand available to cover.
That's not to knock Turner, he's one of our best defenders when 100% fit, and when he proves so will hand Steve Bruce a welcome headache as we head into the final few games of the season.
Meanwhile, Kieran Richardson has been ruled out of Sunday's game at Eastlands, but isn't expected to be spending too long on the treatment table.