text: Sunderland will not suspend Adam Johnson after he was charged with grooming and three counts of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The club's hierarchy have decided that the 27-year-old should be allowed to continue playing for the Black Cats until the outcome of his case has been decided. A club statement on Friday morning read: 'Following yesterday's 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.' Adam Johnson leaves Peterlee police station on Thursday after being charged . Johnson leaves the Peterlee police station on Thursday after learning of the charges against him . The 27-year-old has not been suspended by his club Sunderland despite the charges . Apr 25 - Stoke (a) May 2 - Southampton (h) May 9 - Everton (a) May 16 - Leicester (h) May 20 - Arsenal (a) May 24 -  Chelsea (a) Johnson has been bailed to appear before Peterlee Magistrates on May 20 – the same day Sunderland travel to Arsenal - where it is expected the case will be sent to Crown Court. If found guilty, Johnson could face a lengthy prison term. In the meantime, he will be available to feature for relegation-threatened Sunderland, who are one point above the Premier League drop zone and travel to Stoke on Saturday. He was suspended by the club following his arrest on March 2 but that was lifted when his bail was extended by five weeks a fortnight later. Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat supported the decision not to suspend Sunderland. Advocaat said: 'He still has to come in (to train). But, in principle, if he feels okay he will be part of the squad. 'It's not difficult to deal with. The club have made a statement and I stand behind that and I will see what the future will bring.' CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TABLE . He returned to training under new boss Dick Advocaat and has featured as a substitute in their last three matches, including the 1-0 Tyne-Wear derby victory over Newcastle. Johnson stands accused of three offences of sexual activity with a child, contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The offences are said to have taken place between December 30 last year and February 26. He has also been charged with meeting a child following sexual grooming under Section 15 of the same Act. Gerry Wareham, CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, said he believes there is a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest for Johnson to be charged. Johnson will now appear at Peterlee Magistrates Court on May 20 . The England international (right) was wearing a black tracksuit as he attended the hearing on Thursday . Johnson was accompanied by his lawyer as the Sunderland winger arrived at the police station on Thursday . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
target: Adam Johnson charged with three offences of sexual activity with girl, 15 .
  Winger also facing charge of grooming and has been bailed until May 20 .
  Sunderland decided not to suspend Johnson and he is available to play .
  READ: Johnson charged with three offences of sexual activity with a child .
  READ: Johnson's Sunderland future in doubt .