SUNDERLAND midfielder Luke O’Nien has undergone surgery to fix a shoulder injury that is likely to keep him out for the next three months.

The 27-year-old has been managing the long standing problem whilst playing and the news of his injury added to the Black Cats lengthy absentee list. He recently joined Aiden McGeady, Dennis Cirkin and Niall Huggins on the treatment table.

He tweeted from his hospital bed that he is looking forward to a return to action.

O’Nien said: “Grateful for the people that took great care of me.

“Be working hard as I can to get back playing as soon as possible.”

O’Nien has featured 22 times this season and scored three goals for the Black Cats. He’s become a fans favourite over the years making 161 appearances in total since signing in the summer of 2018.

Sunderland tweeted their support for the midfielder saying: “Wishing you a speedy recovery Luke.”

While O’Nien’s absence in the side has been felt in recent weeks, Lee Johnson’s side sealed a comprehensive win in midweek beating Morecambe 5-0 at the Stadium of Light. The victory lifted them up to fourth in the League One table.

They host Plymouth Argyle this weekend on home soil who sit just a place and two points below them in the table. They recently lost their manager Ryan Lowe who left the club to take over at Championship side Preston North End.

Stephen Schumacher has been appointed as his successor on a permanent basis.