Mike Dodds shares Corry Evans return timeframe ahead of Millwall.

Mike Dodds, the interim manager of Sunderland, has given a precise timeline for the much anticipated return of midfielder Corry Evans.

Sunderland’s home matchup with Millwall marks their return to Championship competition.

The Lions, who are now in 16th place but with a six-point deficit to safety, are still fighting to survive in the Championship this season.

Having witnessed his team win their last two games, Neil Harris has guided the Lions away from the drop zone and toward safety.

While Sunderland has only lost one of their previous six league games, they are currently in 13th place, six points clear of Millwall.

Corry Evans injury at Sunderland

Since January of last year, Evans, 33, has not been featured.

After suffering a severe knee injury, the 66-cap international for Northern Ireland has been gradually regaining his health.

However, the midfield player has recently drawn attention with the U21s after accelerating his recuperation with a long-range strike against Newcastle United.

Fans had been waiting for his comeback, but after he recently experienced another small setback, they had to wait a little longer.

Mike Dodds update on Corry Evans injury

However, Sunderland manager Dodds told the media prior to this weekend’s matchup against Millwall that Evans will undoubtedly play, if not in the match this weekend, away at Watford at the end of the month.

Dodds stated:

He has been working out with the team. If everything with Corry goes well, then next weekend is the one to be had, if not this weekend.

Tony Mowbray, the former manager of Sunderland, called Evans a “vital” player.

Corry Evans will really test Kristjaan Speakman resolve this summer

Going off the positive things said about Evans in his U21s appearances, it looks like he could make a real impact in what is left of the season.

Even featuring for a handful of minutes in a Sunderland shirt would be a huge achievement for him, after such a severe injury.

And whether he gets game time or not, he’s going to give Sunderland and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman a difficult decision to make in the summer.

Given his injury and his age, everyone would surely bank on Sunderland releasing Evans in the summer.

But he remains the club’s captain and Sunderland have desperately lacked a player with Evans’ experience and steel in the midfield, so Evans could yet save the club a lot of money if he’s handed another one-year deal.

It’d be a risk for sure.

Sunderland might want to take a look at Evans in the next weeks and then in the summer, but fans will no doubt be keen to see how he fares upon his return.