Dion Sanderson's season is over, dealing a major blow to Sunderland's promotion chances.
The on-loan Wolves defender has been suffering from a back injury which has ruled him out of the Black Cats' last two games, and last week he returned to Molineux for tests to assess the extent of the problem.
And Lee Johnson has today confirmed that the 21-year-old will be sidelined for six weeks, ruling him out of Sunderland's final three games of the regular season and also any potential play-off games.
Sanderson has been one of Sunderland's most consistent performers under Johnson and his displays have been widely praised.
The news that he will not feature again this season increases Johnson's central defensive headache, with Bailey Wright - who has himself only recently returned from a lengthy injury absence - his only fit, senior, specialist in that position.
"Dion will be out for six weeks," said Johnson, whose side takes on play-off rivals Blackpool at the Stadium of Light tonight.
"He's a good personality and a great kid first and foremost, but the bit that most impressed me was how he stepped up in the leadership and communications skills areas, which shows he has a bright future.
"It's a big blow, but I don't think about those types of things in that way.
"I look at it as a challenge; otherwise it's woe is me, and it's not about me – it's about the team and giving someone an opportunity or adjusting it."
Aside from Sanderson, Sunderland currently have three other centre-backs missing through injury - Tom Flanagan (foot), Arbenit Xhemajli (cruciate ligament), and Jordan Willis (ruptured patella tendon) - along with Conor McLaughlin (hernia), who can also operate in central defence.
Of those, McLaughlin is closest to a return and Johnson is hoping he could be in contention for the final game of the league campaign against Northampton Town on Wearside a week on Sunday.
Flanagan has not been ruled out of that game but, if it does come too soon for him, he should be available for the play-off semi-finals, assuming the Black Cats seal a top six spot.
Johnson said: "If all goes well, I would expect Conor McLaughlin to be in and about the build-up to the Northampton game.
"With Flanno, you might be chasing it if you had him available for that game – but he might be, and we might have to chase it depending on circumstances over the next couple of games."
