Seb Larsson has been ruled out for up to six months due to a medial ligament injury, David Moyes has confirmed.
The Sunderland manager also confirmed the Sweden international underwent surgery for the injury earlier this week.
Billy Jones, Lee Cattermole and Jan Kirchhoff will also miss Saturday’s game against Manchester City, with Moyes providing the latest injury news ahead of the Black Cats’ Premier League opener.
“We have quite a few injuries,” said Moyes. “Seb Larsson has had an operation which we believe will keep him out for 5-6 months.
“I’m very happy to put the young players out; some of them will be on the bench tomorrow and some of them will have to play, but I’m happy to do that and what I’ve seen from the young players is very good.”
He added: “I will encourage them to keep it up and when the right opportunities come up I hope they’re ready to take their chance.
“Djilobodji, Love, McNair and Januzaj will all be in the squad tomorrow.”
