SUNDERLAND are carefully assessing the state of Jordan Pickford's knee after he sustained an injury at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Pickford left Old Trafford nursing the problem but it is unclear at this stage what the extent of the injury is.
However, the 22-year-Old is a serious doubt for the trip to fellow strugglers Burnley on New Year's Eve.
Pickford has been a revelation so far this season for Sunderland; his first as a first team regular at the Stadium of Light.
His performances have earned him England recognition and he has a number of Champions League clubs all weighing up a move for him.
Sunderland are desperate to hear good news after further examination, although the official club word at this stage is that he is being "assessed".
Manager David Moyes, who has already had a number of players ruled out for the long term, does have Vito Mannone fit again and eager to reclaim his place after sustaining an injury earlier in the campaign.
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