Sunderland boss David Moyes has been dealt yet another blow after the club confirmed that midfielder Jan Kirchhoff could be facing eight weeks out with injury.
The 26-year-old German suffered a hamstring problem during Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with West Brom which saw him stretchered off the pitch.
And scans have since revealed the extent of the damage to the Black Cats’ key man.
A club statement said: "Jan Kirchhoff has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during Sunderland's draw against West Bromwich Albion.