Sunderland boss David Moyes has been dealt a fresh blow after learning that striker Victor Anichebe could be sidelined for around 10 weeks by a knee injury.
The 28-year-old was hurt minutes after coming on as a substitute in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat at West Brom, but managed to finish the game.
However, it is understood a scan has since confirmed that he suffered medial ligament damage and that means he is likely to be out of action for up to 10 weeks.
With Duncan Watmore already on the long-term casualty list, that means Jermain Defoe is Moyes' only fit specialist senior frontman, although Fabio Borini can play in that role.