Johnson could face Stoke despite under-age sex charges

Sunderland's Adam Johnson could feature in Saturday's Premier League clash at Stoke City just two days after being charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming.

Johnson is available for selection after the club decided not to re-impose the suspension to which he was subject following his initial arrest last month.

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat will make a decision on whether or not to involve the 27-year-old England international at the Britannia Stadium after discussing the situation with him to ascertain his state of mind.

"He's in the squad, yes. I will consider him for selection, otherwise he would not be in the squad," Advocaat said.

"He still has to come in, but in principle if he feels okay, then he will be a member of the squad."

Advocaat's club may feel they cannot afford to make a moral judgement on Johnson as they are sitting only one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

Asked if it was a difficult situation for him to deal with as a coach, Advocaat said: "No, because the club made a statement about it and I stay behind that, and we will wait and see what the future will bring."

That statement revealed that Sunderland had not changed their position on Johnson, who has been used as a substitute in the last three games after the suspension they initially imposed was lifted.

It said: "Following yesterday's (Thursday) statement from Durham Constabulary, the club recognises that the formal legal process must take its course and whilst our position remains unchanged, we will keep the matter under review.

"The club will not be making any further comment."
Source: AFP