Sunderland defender Titus Bramble looks set for surgery on a knee problem which caused him to miss the 2-2 draw with Everton.
Two goals from Danny Welbeck overturned Tim Cahill's early strike, but the Black Cats were denied a win by a late Mikel Arteta leveller, but the news on Bramble will dampen boss Steve Bruce's spirit.
Assistant Eric Black said: "Titus has got a little bit of a meniscus problem which will be assessed over the next 24 hours.
"That may well be a bit longer, but that will be assessed over the next 24 hours and a decision will be made whether to operate or not."
Source: PA