There's a lot that can happen in 421 days, especially as a Sunderland supporter. That's the length of time the Black Cats have been without club captain, Corry Evans, after picking up an ACL injury in their clash with Middlesbrough last season, but his return to action for the U21s earlier this week, was a welcome boost for the club.

Evans' return coincides with the international break, with Mike Dodds looking for a catalyst to help turn Sunderland's torrid run of form around. Six defeats on the bounce, followed by a draw with QPR last weekend, has seen the Wearsiders wave farewell to their hopes of finishing in the top-six this season - bar a minor miracle between now and the end of the season.

The aim now, although those inside the walls of the club would be hesitant to admit it, will be preparing for next season and avoiding a repeat of this tumultuous campaign.

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Indeed, the return of their captain will be a big boost for the final run in, but as the likes of Dodds and Michael Beale have already eluded to, they'll need to manage the Northern Irishman's game time closely.

Evans managed 45 minutes against Newcastle United U21s at the Academy of Light on Monday afternoon, and was the standout player in red and white in the first-half. His substitution at the break was a pre-planned change as they manage his minutes, marking his return with brilliant goal from 25-yards out.

“It’s brilliant," Sunderland U21s boss Graeme Murty said , when reflecting on Evans' display after the full-time whistle against the Magpies. "He’s a proper person and a good athlete. He lives right and he works right and his habits daily are top draw. For him as a role model for young players, he’s been top for them. They need to absorb that to see what it takes everyday to have a proper career and make sure they learn from it.

 

“Minutes in the tank, we need people to be sharp and ready to go and compete for first-team places, so we’re a willing vehicle for that. We give them big areas to work on in the proper intensity of a match and they need to make sure they’re there in front of the manager.

“They need to get in front of the manager’s eyes, really impress him so they can be part of the team. I’ve said to them, ‘don’t worry about us, make sure you get what you need in the game.’ 

“Corry needed 45 minutes, the goal is a bonus and the smile on his face actually makes up for a long hard road, it’s just the first step he’s taken. We’re pleased he got through it and we’ll make sure that hopefully he’s ready to go again soon.”

It remains important not to get carried away and view Evans as the saviour of Sunderland's season, but his outing against the young Magpies showed glimpses of what the Black Cats have missed this season.

We Are Sunderland: Corry Evans' defensive activity in 2022/23 for Sunderland.Corry Evans' defensive activity in 2022/23 for Sunderland. (Image: StatsBomb)

Sunderland have been crying out for a holding midfielder, particularly when they've lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, to allow the likes of Dan Neil, Pierre Ekwah and Jobe Bellingham to play in more advanced areas of the pitch.

Evans is the only real natural midfield anchor in Sunderland's squad, and they've missed him in his absence. 

As we see from the defensive activity from 2022/23, shown on the image above, the Northern Irishman has a higher percentage of activity than the league average across central areas of the pitch, something they've lacked in his absence. 

We Are Sunderland: Sunderland's defensive activity for 2023/24.Sunderland's defensive activity for 2023/24. (Image: StatsBomb)If we compare the area of the pitch Evans does the most of his defensive work in with the image above, you could further argue how important his return is given Sunderland do less defensive activity in that area of the pitch.

However, that may be slightly skewed given the Black Cats have utilised a high press for the majority of the campaign, bar a spell under Michael Beale, which reflects in the image above, with the red areas high up the pitch.

Will Evans be the same player after such a long time out? At 33-years-old and just a few months left on his contract at the Stadium of Light, fans are questioning whether he'll remain on Wearside beyond the next few months.

For the player himself, staying fit will be vital in earning a contract either at Sunderland or another club. His first outing, albeit at Premier League 2 level, a promising one but it's important to err on the side of caution.

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Against the Magpies, Evans talked his way through the game, moving the red and white youngsters around the pitch, in order to create space and enjoy the lion share of possession.

He kept the ball really well and played some brilliant through balls for the likes of Caden Kelly to run onto behind the Newcastle back line. 

Sunderland have been crying out for experienced heads this season and although it seems the Cardiff City clash on Good Friday will come too early in terms of starting, if he can stay fit, Evans can still play an important role for the final run in.