Sebastian Larsson is hoping a return to fitness of several key, experienced first team players will provide the boost Sunderland need to get out of relegation trouble.

The Wearsiders have endured a miserable campaign so far and they are currently rock-bottom of the Premier League, having lost eight of their 11 matches.

The Black Cats were handed some hope last time out as they picked up a first win of the season, coming from 1-0 down to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.

Summer arrival Victor Anichebe and ex-England international Jermain Defoe both found the back of the net against the Cherries but more of the same is needed from the striking duo if Sunderland are to survive.

That result has slightly lifted the pressure off the shoulders of manager David Moyes, who only took charge at the Stadium of Light in the summer.

In fairness to the Scottish tactician, his squad have suffered a number of injuries already with the likes of John O’Shea, Jack Rodwell, Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole and Fabio Borini all on the sidelines.

Larsson is another that has been out of action, having undergone knee surgery at the start of the campaign, but he is now pushing for a return after recovering fully.

The Sweden international admits Sunderland have had it tough with injuries but he hopes players coming back to fitness will prove to be the difference.

“You always need the right mix of experience and youth, and the boys have been doing everything they can,” Larsson said.

“For some reason it hasn’t quite worked out yet, but let’s start getting everyone back fit and see what we can do.”

Sunderland, who are 1.40 to get relegated, take on fellow strugglers Hull City next at the Stadium of Light on November 19 in what could be a crucial clash.

The hosts are 2.15 favourites to pick up all three points, a draw is priced at 3.20 whilst the visitors are the 3.50 outsiders.