Sunderland boss David Moyes has banned Lamine Kone from the club.
The Sun says Moyes shocked the unsettled centre-half, 27, by telling him to stay away from training after he snubbed a new deal.
And when the £18million Everton target pulled out of today's match against Middlesbrough with a back injury, Moyes snapped and sent him into exile until September 1.
Now Kone is checking his contractual position if he is denied treatment.