Papy Djilobodji has returned to Sunderland training after a 72-day absence

Sunderland are considering their next move over the previously AWOL defender

Djilobodji took part in a session on Wednesday at the Academy of Light

Sunderland are weighing up their next move over Papy Djilobodji after the previously AWOL defender finally returned to training on Wednesday.

Djilobodji and team-mate Didier Ndong both failed to turn up to pre-season training following the club's relegation to League One.

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Furious Sunderland chiefs refused to pay Djilobodji, who earns a weekly salary of around £33,000, and Ndong during their absence and are now contemplating their next step after the centre-back returned to the club.

Papy Djilobodji (pictured) has returned to Sunderland training after a 72-day absence

Sunderland are considering their next move over the previously AWOL defender

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PAPY DJILOBODJI CAREER STATS Dijon (2017-18) Games: 30 Goals: 0 Sunderland (2016-17) Games: 18 Goals: 0 Werder Bremen (2015-16): Games: 14 Goals: 2 Nantes (2013-15): Games: 59 Goals: 3

Djilobodji took part in training at Sunderland's Academy of Light base with the rest of his team-mates ahead of Saturday's home clash with Fleetwood Town.

An £8m signing from Chelsea, the 29-year-old spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Dijon, where he made 30 appearances.

But after failing secure a permanent transfer away from Wearside this summer, Djilobodji had been expected to fight for a place in new manager Jack Ross' squad.

In his absence, Sunderland have made a strong start to the campaign, winning four and drawing two of their first six games.

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They play Fleetwood on Saturday at home before a trip to Burton Albion the following weekend.