Sunderland’s Aji Alese returns from injury in the U21s Wear-Tyne Derby

After over a year on the sidelines, Aji Alese made his return to action in Sunderland U21s’ game against Newcastle on Friday.

The defender played 45 minutes for Graeme Murty’s side in their 1-1 draw in the Premier League 2, before coming off at half time.

📺 Catch all the action from the #PL2 Wear-Tyne derby!

Aji Alese makes his first start following a return from injury 👏 https://t.co/c330CHX2OE pic.twitter.com/SBnqUEzLsV

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 16, 2026

It has been over a year since Alese last made an appearance for Sunderland – playing against Stoke in the third round of the FA Cup.

Alese broke his leg that day, as well as sustaining a hand injury – forcing him to be stretchered off and needing surgery.

Since joining the club in 2023, Alese has played 41 times, scoring once over four seasons in which he helped Sunderland to the Championship play-offs in his first season, where they lost to Luton in the semi-finals.

Alese’s return will help Regis Le Bris with him being versatile playing as a centre-back and left-back in spells at the club.

In his return, Alese looked solid, keeping the ball and making smart interceptions when needed.

But, due to the length of time on the sidelines, Alese’s return will be slow and monitored, in order not to have more injury problems down the line.