by Our Sports Desk

Patrick van Aanholt will return to the Sunderland squad for tonight’s League Cup third round trip to QPR having been given the all-clear by cardiologists.

The full-back was withdrawn from the team to face Tottenham in the Premier League just minutes before kick-off on Sunday on the advice of medics following regulation tests but has since undergone further checks and is free to play.

“He had the statutory checks with the cardiologists,” said manager David Moyes.

“The Football Association panel advised us really late that he should not play until further tests had taken place.

“We are just surprised the FA panel didn’t contact me or my doctor until 3.55 on Sunday afternoon.

“I have never in my career been put in a situation like that.

“It was completely outside our control. We knew we had to make the correct decision for the player and for the football club.”

Moyes added that he has spoken to Van Aanholt over the worrying situation and the player is in good spirits.

“He’s had some further tests and will travel to London with us and we will make a decision on that a little bit later.”