Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has revealed that Ricky Alvarez is likely to return to parent club Inter Milan at the completion of the season.

The 26-year old Argentine midfielder has been on a season-long loan with the Black Cats but has endured a spell plagued with injury and is set to miss the rest of the campaign with a knee problem.

Alvarez could only manage five Premier League starts with the Black Cats this season for a total of 17 appearances in all competitions.

When asked for an update on the player, Advocaat said: "I'm not sure what's going on, but it's not positive. I don't think we'll see him again this season."