The 35-year-old, who has not featured for the relegation-threatened Black Cats since March, played the first half for the club's under-21s against Everton on Monday.
The former Manchester United player told the club's website, www.safc.com: "It was a positive 45 minutes and the more players we get back for the remaining four games the better.
"It is very important because we have some very big games coming up.
"Personally it is just nice to be back playing and I can't wait to get back out there."
Sunderland are 18th in the Barclays Premier League, a point off a safe position, but have a game in hand on their relegation rivals
Their remaining games are against Everton, Leicester, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Source : PA
Source: PA