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Sunderland's Adam Johnson to return to training after club lifts suspension

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson will return to training after the Premier League club lifted his suspension.

Johnson, 27, was suspended by the Black Cats earlier this month following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

He will now be free to resume while the police investigation continues.

A club statement said: "The club has discussed the current position in detail with both the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) and Adam's representatives.

"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."

Johnson has played for Sunderland since 2012, when he joined them from Manchester City. He has scored four goals in 24 league games this season.

The winger has made 12 appearances for England, the last of them in a friendly victory over Italy in August 2012.