SUNDERLAND'S midfield problems worsened last night when it emerged Jason McAteer could be out for another two months and faces the possibility of more surgery on his troublesome hernia problem.

After coming close to a first-team return last month following an operation earlier this season, McAteer has suffered a relapse and is out of Howard Wilkinson's plans until the New Year.

The Sunderland manager has already lost a posse of midfielders to injury, plus Gavin McCann to a one-match suspension, and last night he bemoaned McAteer's misfortune.

Wilkinson said: "Jason faces the possibility of another operation that keep him out for a further six to eight weeks.

"It's not the same problem that he had before; it's an associated problem. It's a very uncommon injury for a footballer to pick up.

"We've had a second opinion and the specialist has suggested that Jason might need an op. We'll find out in the next couple of days.

"Jason is very disappointed but we needed to know what the problem is, and once we've done that we can move forward.

"He was pretty low before he went for the second opinion, but I hope he's a bit more positive now the situation has been cleared up.

"It may be disappointing, but it's not as disappointing as not knowing what is wrong. It would be a problem if it were still a total mystery.

"This problem has come as a result of the operation. But at least we now know the route we have to take."

As Wilkinson considered his depleted midfield options for Monday's crucial Premiership clash with Manchester City, Tore Andre Flo warned Sunderland cannot countenance defeat in two days' time.

The Black Cats are the lowest scorers in the four divisions and have won only one of their seven league games under Wilkinson.

Flo said: "We've got to start winning games and these are the type of matches we can't afford to lose.

"We all know that we need to score more goals and that we need more points, and we'd better start taking them.

But it won't be an easy game for us. City have been a bit up and down, but if they have a good day they're a dangerous team."

* Sunderland season ticket holders have until 1pm on January 4 to apply for tickets for next month's Premiership trip to Everton.

Voucher 37 is needed to buy tickets, which are priced at £23 adults, £14 senior citizens and £12 juniors.

* The Sunderland AFC Disabled & Escorts Branch are holding their Christmas social evening on Tuesday, December 10. The event, which takes place at Belmont Social Club in Durham starts at 7pm and includes a pie and pea supper, live entertainment and a Christmas raffle. Special guests will include ex-Sunderland star Nick Sharkey and one or two other well known names from the past.

Tickets available - ring secretary Freda Murray for more details on 0191 3847835.

Seats are still available on the Coach to West Brom on Saturday, December 21 - more details are available from the secretary.

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