Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has confirmed that Jermain Defoe could miss Saturday's six-pointer with West Bromwich Albion.
The veteran striker, 32, is rumoured to be nursing a calf injury and missed Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Bradford City in the FA Cup.
The Black Cats sit two points clear of the relegation zone and two behind the Baggies in 14th, and the Uruguayan revealed that he may be without the services of his star striker.
He is quoted as saying by the Daily Star: "In all, Jermain needed around four to five days off, and I'm not sure at this stage if he'll be okay for Saturday."
Defoe has netted twice since joining Sunderland from Toronto last month.
