SAM ALLARDYCE has confirmed that Adam Johnson will not play against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Johnson, 28, has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming.

He continues to deny two charges of sexual activity with a girl aged under 16. The jury has been sworn in and been told of his guilty pleas.

The trial at Bradford Crown Court is expected to get underway on Friday.

Sunderland head coach Allardyce, speaking at a pre-match press conference at the club’s Academy of Light, said: “He will not be available for this weekend.”

Asked what will happen after this weekend, Allardyce added: “I don't know. We will see how it goes beyond that.”

Manchester United head to Wearside on Saturday and Allardyce aims to lead Sunderland to a victory after going four matches without a win to harm the club’s survival chances.

The Sunderland boss has learned that forward Duncan Watmore damaged ankle ligaments during last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool.

Watmore could now be missing for a couple of crucial months in the run-in, while Jeremain Lens has a hernia problem in need of addressing.

Allardyce hopes Italian forward Fabio Borini will be in contention to figure against Manchester United on Saturday.

He said: “We have Jeremain Lens who maybe has a hernia. I think we can get that repaired and get him back on the field relatively quickly, Watmore is ankle ligaments though.

“Younes Kaboul has turned his ankle and is out for another couple of weeks too. Younes could be back for the West Ham game which is after this one.

“We have knocks and bruises but I think we will be OK. Some lads haven’t trained this week. Hopefully most will be available for selections. Let’s try to play as well as we did against Manchester City and see if we can get some points.”