Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits it is a big blow that skipper Lee Cattermole has not recovered from injury as quickly as expected. The midfielder had looked set to return from the back injury that had left him on the sidelines since December.
But it was confirmed on Thursday that Cattermole needs more rest to fully overcome the stress fracture and he is now unlikely to return until a trip to Arsenal on 5th March.
Ahead of the weekend's away game at Stoke, Sunderland's manager told his club's official website: "It's a blow for Catts', just as he was starting again.
"He had a wonderful start to his career at Sunderland, then got injured, got back again and lo and behold he's picked up a back injury which we have to be careful with.
"It's a blow for us too, especially given we've lost (David) Meyler as well. However, we've brought in Sessegnon and Muntari, who will both be popular."
