Fletch fitness still 2 weeks off

14 September 2013 8:26 | By Chris Young

STEVEN FLETCHER will need at least another fortnight before he is up to speed after being left breathless by Sunderland’s training regime.

Fletcher has been back in full training for almost three weeks now after missing the start of the season while he continued his rehabilitation from March’s ankle injury.

The Scotland international is now fit enough to start games and demonstrated that he has lost none of his goal-scoring prowess after netting in his comeback from the bench in Sunderland’s 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace two weeks ago.

But head coach Paolo Di Canio admits Fletcher is still not in peak condition and has faced a chastening time at the Academy of Light after making the leap to joining in full training.

Di Canio told the Echo: “He’s worked so hard, but he gets tired, although that’s normal.

“In the last few days, we’ve reduced intensity and made the sessions more technical and tactical.

“He’s okay. But it’s obvious for him that it will take him another two or three weeks to see him fully fit.

“He had sessions with Claudio (Donatelli, Sunderland fitness coach) before, but they were not tactical or technical.

“In the last two weeks, he’s been full-time, a real full-time player in training with high intensity.

“But even if he can give us 100 per cent for 45 minutes, or 80 per cent for 65 minutes, it could be crucial.”

Di Canio has benefited from having Fletcher at his disposal during the international break, with Scotland boss Gordon Strachan opting not to call up the 26-year-old for the World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and Macedonia.

But Fletcher is expected to return to the international fold for next month’s clash against Croatia, with Strachan admitting Fletcher is a key part of his plans.

“When Steven returns it will be a big boost. There is absolutely no doubt of that,” said Strachan.

“He is a top player and can play any system. Steven’s game all round is top class.”

 

Have the feeling now we might go with a 5 man midfield today with Altidore up top. Fletcher to be used as an impact sub with Borini

 

I think we can safely say Fletch wont play the full match now. He'll probs play an hour at the most.

 

Listening to Paolo's press conference, I got the impression that Fletch will start but not play the full 90, he hinted that he will assess him as the game goes on.

 

Yes i think thats what will happen. The question is who partners him??

 

Altidore up top for me to try and bully Koscielny and Vermaelen.

 

Rather we kept him on the bench for this one maybe bring him on for 20 minutes towards the end if we can get something from the game. Think Altidore and Borini will be the front pairing not sure how it will work but, am guessing Borini just behind Altidore as the target man ish.

 

Atidore and Borini for me and put Fletch on half hour to go.

 

Said on the wireless yesterday fletch & borini up top

 

Must say Teesside you have put up some cracking reads lately, really enjoyed them keep up the good work mate...........

 

Still think fletch will start. But knowing he won't last the full game I think he'll start next to Borini and come off for Jozy.

 

I hope we won't be watching a five man midfield with Fletcher up top on his own... I don't recall us playing to many teams off the park 4-5-1. It's probably to much of an ask for Fletcher to handle this role at this stage of his return. I don't see either Altidore or Borini doing the role with any success. It appears to me to be a hiding to nothing. May aswell go out 4-4-2 and score some goals!