Sunderland have been rocked by injuries to starting centre-backs Titus Bramble and Michael Turner.
Bramble, 29, damaged cartilage in his knee during a recent training session and requires surgery, meaning he could miss the busy Christmas period as a result.
And manager Steve Bruce’s injury problems worsened when it was confirmed that defensive partner Turner, 27, is facing “months” on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage when he collided with the post during the draw with Everton on Monday night.
Bruce told the club’s official website: “It’s horrible news. Michael whacked his knee against the post on Monday and damaged knee ligaments.
“He’ll see a specialist today. I believe it could be months rather than weeks and that’s a big blow to us.
“Danny (Welbeck), Darren (Bent) and Asamoah (Gyan) take the plaudits but in Michael and Titus we have lost a big partnership who have done very, very well for us.
“I hope the ones who come in can do the job which they’ve been doing. They’ll be a big act follow, I have to tell you.”