SUNDERLAND’S injury woes continue to mount with the news that midfielder Luke O’Nien will face a minimum of three months out to have shoulder surgery.

O’Nien has had to manage the pain of a long standing shoulder problem for a while and it now seems that the problem needs to be corrected to get the best out of the 27-year-old. He missed yesterday's 2-1 win over Cambridge United in League One. 

The Black Cats injury list continues to grow in numbers with O’Nien surgery. Aiden McGeady was recently added to the list after picking up a knee injury that will keep him out for 8-12 weeks. Meanwhile, Dennis Cirkin has been ruled out until the New Year, Niall Huggins is out with a back problem along with plenty of others in the squad.

Manager Lee Johnson said: “It’s really disappointing because I think that takes our injury tally to eight or nine.”

O’Nien has been an integral part of the Sunderland side this season featuring 22 times. In total, he’s made 161 appearances on Wearside and scored 14 goals.

Sunderland are next in action on Wednesday evening when they host League Two Oldham Athletic in the Papa John’s Trophy.