Sunderland have suffered an injury blow as goalkeeper Vito Mannone has been ruled out for a minimum of three months after tearing ligaments in his elbow.
Manager David Moyes confirmed the news in this morning's press conference, stating that the club are not yet certain whether or not the former Arsenal shot-stopper will require surgery.
Mannone started both of the Black Cats' opening Premier League games of the season, and now Jordan Pickford is expected to step up after he was given the nod in midweek's 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Cup.
Moyes has confirmed, though, that the club will dip into the transfer market for another goalkeeper who can provide back-up for Pickford in the meantime.
The North-East outfit are yet to win a league game following defeats to Manchester City and Middlesbrough.