Sunderland will reportedly be without Wes Brown for this Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United due to a knee injury.
The 35-year-old was substituted just 12 minutes into the Black Cats' 1-0 defeat to West Ham United before the international break.
According to the Sunderland Echo, the defender has not been fit enough to train since that match and is likely to be on the sidelines for several weeks.
The North-East outfit, who have played just one game under new manager Dick Advocaat, are currently one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
