Sebastian Larsson can't put a date on his playing return at Sunderland.

For the experienced Swede, it's a long road to full fitness after summer knee surgery, but, as one of the team's longest-serving stars, he is desperate to get out on the park again.

“Basically I don't have a date when I am looking to be back," said the 31-year-old to the Sunderland Echo.

“So far since the operation [eight weeks ago] it has progressed really well.

“Obviously, to start with you have a brace on and you are on crutches, but since coming through that stage I have really progressed.

“I've not really put a date on it, but up to this point, I'm really really happy with how it's gone.

“I feel I am pushing in the right direction to be back sooner rather than later."