Anton Ferdinand has failed in his bid to be fit for Sunderland's Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton, meaning Steve Bruce will be without three centre-backs.
Titus Bramble and Michael Turner are out until the New Year, and it looked like the Black Cats' injury curse had struck again when Ferdinand pulled up in last week's 0-0 draw at Fulham with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Further examination revealed the 25-year-old's problem may instead have been caused by a back spasm and Bruce had hoped he would be able to play at the Stadium of Light - but he has now been ruled out.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon will return after missing last week with a hamstring problem while Asamoah Gyan (toe) is also fit, but Boudewijn Zenden (concussion) is a doubt and Fraizer Campbell (knee) remains a long-term absentee.
Source: PA