Sunderland defender Bailey Wright has been ruled out for up to eight to 12 weeks with an ankle injury picked up in Saturday's 1-0 win over Oxford.
The Australia international only joined Sunderland on loan in January from Bristol City but had quickly established himself as part of the Black Cats' three-man defence.
The 27-year-old has made five appearances since making the move to the North East but was taken off at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday with six minutes remaining.
Speaking to safc.com, Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson labelled the news of Wright's absence as a 'blow' as they enter the business end of their League One promotion push.
“It didn’t look good at the time and further tests have unfortunately confirmed that he will miss eight to 12 weeks,” Parkinson said.
“It’s a blow for the squad, but more than anything we are disappointed for Bailey because he’s come into the team and played really well.
“I’m sure he will come back stronger, but as I have mentioned many times before, the lads currently out of the team have been excellent and we have good options available in his absence.”
Turkish defender Alim Ozturk or former QPR defender Joel Lynch are likely to deputise for Wright in his absence.
