LONDON: Premier League strugglers Sunderland announced on Wednesday that winger Adam Johnson is to return to training following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with an under-age girl.
The 27-year-old England international, arrested two weeks ago, had his bail extended by five weeks on Tuesday and does not need to report back to police until April 23.
Sunderland suspended Johnson pending the outcome of the police investigation, but following consultation with players' union the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), he has been allowed to resume training.
"The club has discussed the current position in detail with both the PFA and Adam's representatives," Sunderland said in a statement.
"In line with those discussions, we recognise that the player is entitled to re-commence his duties with the club while the legal process continues. He will therefore return to training.
"The club's own investigation cannot continue until the conclusion of the legal process. Sunderland AFC will make no further comment on the matter due to the ongoing police investigation."
The announcement came a day after Sunderland appointed Dick Advocaat as manager following the dismissal of Gus Poyet, who was sacked after the club slid to within a point of the relegation zone.
Johnson, capped 12 times by England, began his career with Middlesbrough and returned to his native northeast in 2012 when he joined Sunderland from Manchester City in a £10 million ($15 million, 13 million euros) deal.
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