EMANUELE GIACCHERINI does not expect to play again this season, and admits the last 12 months have been an “ordeal”.

Having struggled with a succession of injuries since moving from Juventus in the summer of 2013, the Sunderland winger is currently sidelined with an ankle problem that has required surgery to correct it.

Gus Poyet recently revealed it was unlikely Giaccherini would play again this season, and the 29-year-old has now confirmed that he does not expect to be available until pre-season training begins in the summer.

He will end the current campaign having made just two Premier League starts, and admits he has struggled to keep his spirits up during a testing spell.

“I’ve had a bad injury, and the season is pretty much over,” said Giaccherini. “This year has been an ordeal for me.

“I played three games in the Premier League in September, then I broke my leg. Then, in early February, I got hurt again. Virtually, my season has ended.”

Sunderland’s players will reconvene this morning after a weekend off, and Poyet feels it was important to offer a chance to recharge the batteries ahead of a crucial period.

Sunderland entertain relegation rivals Aston Villa this weekend, before a trip to West Ham precedes the eagerly-awaited Wear-Tyne derby with Newcastle.

“I think the players needed a rest away from football,” said Poyet. “When you look at what is coming next, it’s going to be a big mental test. Whatever the result had been at Hull (where Sunderland drew 1-1), we were always going to give them a few days off.”

Meanwhile, former Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore made his MLS debut for Toronto FC this weekend – and immediately doubled his goalscoring tally from 42 Premier League matches with the Black Cats.

Altidore scored twice as Toronto claimed a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps on the opening day of the MLS season, with his first goal seeing him round the goalkeeper before slotting home and his second coming courtesy of a penalty that was confidently chipped down the middle.