Sunderland will be without Nigerian striker Victor Anichebe after the former Everton man was ruled out for 10 weeks following a knee ligament damage.
The out of favour Super Eagles striker picked up the injury shortly after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at WestBrom at the weekend.
The Black Cats in an official statement on its website said: “Sunderland manager David Moyes has confirmed that Victor Anichebe sustained knee liagament damage against West Bromwich Albion.
“The injury occurred as a result of a tackle in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at the Hawthorns, and it could sideline the striker for up to ten weeks.”
Anichebe finished the game after treatment but scans have now revealed the damage. The former West Brom forward has scored three goals for the Black Cats since joining as a free agent in September.
Manager David Moyes now has Jermain Defoe, Fabio Borini, and 17-year-old Joel Asoro as striking options. Duncan Watmore is already out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.
Sunderland could also lose defender Papy Djilobodji to suspension after he was charged by the Football Association with violent conduct.