Sunderland defender back in training following nasty collision against Portsmouth

The centre-back collided with team-mate Jon McLaughlin during Pompey 2-0 victory over the Black Cats on February 1.

Lynch was taken to hospital following the second-half incident that initially left him unconscious – with Stadium of Light boss Phil Parkinson pinning the blame on Blues striker Ellis Harrison.

The 32-year-old didn’t suffer concussion, but did sustain a rib injury.

Lynch was back training today, however, and could be included in Sunderland’s squad for their League One clash against Fleetwood tomorrow.

Parkinson told the Sunderland Echo: ‘Joel is back in training again today.

‘As long as he's had no reaction with his rib injury, we’ll assess him for tomorrow and with the weekend game in mind as well.’