Sunderland suffered a fresh injury blow on New Year’s Day as Darron Gibson limped out of action.
The midfielder, who has been one of the Black Cats’ standout performers under Chris Coleman, was forced off after just 33 minutes during Monday’s defeat to Barnsley at the Stadium of Light.
Gibson has been nursing a groin problem throughout the festive period, but he played on with Paddy McNair, Lee Cattermole, Didier Ndong and Jonny Williams all out, with options all over the pitch severely depleted.
And although a timescale for Gibson’s recovery is yet to be determined, Coleman admits it doesn’t look good.
"Darron thinks he has popped his groin, which doesn’t sound good," said the Welshman.
"We will have to wait and see – he will get scanned – but if it is what is suspected then it is a big blow.”
He continued: "Gibbo has been pulling the strings for us.
“He was just settling into the game and that happened, so I am bitterly disappointed but we had no choice but to play him because Paddy was not fit to start.
“Lee Cattermole won’t be back for another couple of weeks and we are going to have to get Paddy ready for Boro.
“We have the transfer window and could, possibly, bring someone in that position, but where else do we go?
“That’s all we have at the moment.”
