SUNDERLAND have been dealt a major injury blow, with Corry Evans set to miss the rest of the season with anterior cruciate ligament damage.
The midfielder was forced off in the early stages of Sunday's win over Middlesbrough and although club medics were initially hopeful there was no major damage, scans have since revealed the full extent of the injury.
Evans, 32, is now set for surgery and is unlikely to play again this season, a major blow for the midfielder and for the Black Cats.
A club statement reads: "Sunderland AFC can confirm that Corry Evans has suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.
The midfielder will undergo surgery, and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season after picking up the injury during Sunday’s win over Middlesbrough.
"We’re right behind you, Skipper."
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Evans will be sorely missed in the Sunderland midfield. The Northern Ireland international is an influential figure on and off the pitch, starting 22 of 28 Championship fixtures this season
PSG midfielder Edouard Michut replaced Evans from the bench against Boro and is now likely to have a run in the team, though the Black Cats also this week signed Pierre Ekwah from West Ham United and the 21-year-old could now find himself thrust quickly into action in the second half of the season.
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