Lee Johnson told the press this week that Ross Stewart's shoulder would have a shoulder injury 'analysed' and that he might need an injection in order to manage pain.
This is something that has concerned Kevin Phillips, a man who plundered 130 goals for the Black Cats.
"It is a big worry because physicality is a big part of Ross Stewart’s game," Phillips told Football Insider.
"It is going to effect him and the team in regards to the way you play to him."
The 25-year-old moved to the Stadium of Light in January of 2021 and only scored twice in League One last season but he has started the 21/22 season in red-hot form, scoring 10 goals in 15 games. Phillips believes his goals are the key to Sunderland being promoted back to the Championship
"He’s been brilliant for Sunderland since he has come in," the former England striker added.
"I have always said that if Sunderland are going to get promoted this season, they need someone to chip in with 20 goals. He looks like the man to do it so they need to keep him fit."
Phillips himself has experience in scoring the goals to lead a promotion charge as he scored 23 goals for Sunderland as they secured promotion to the Premier League in 1998/99. He then went on to hit 30 goals in the Premier League the next season, making him the only Englishman to have ever won the European Golden Shoe award.
Stewart picked up the knock on his shoulder in a Papa John's Trophy tie against Bradford City, with the Black Cats going on to lose the tie on penalties after the game ended 1-1.
