Sunderland will have to make do without the services of Lee Cattermole for Saturday's Premier League encounter against Southampton at the Stadium of Light.
The midfielder was forced to limp off during the 6-2 defeat at the hands of Everton last weekend with a groin injury.
However, despite the fact that he will be absent for the visit of the Saints, manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that Cattermole should return to the squad after the upcoming international break.
"I don't think it's that serious but Lee certainly won't be fit for the weekend," the Sunderland boss told reporters.
"I think after the international break I will expect him to be fit when all the players get back."
Allardyce also confirmed that Fabio Borini, Ola Toivonen, Younes Kaboul and John O'Shea have all recovered from knocks and could come into contention to face Southampton.
