Sunderland have suffered a blow with news Paddy McNair is facing a 'lengthy spell' out of action.
The Premier League club have confirmed the 21-year-old has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Northern ireland international McNair, who can play in defence or midfield, sustained the injury in 42nd minute of Saturday's 3-0 Premier League home win over Hull.
However, he did not come off the pitch until the 88th minute.
After reports surfaced suggesting the former Manchester United man was set to miss the rest of the season, Sunderland released a statement on Wednesday which read: "McNair faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines but will now focus on returning to action as quickly as possible.