Tyias Browning has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a groin injury.

This news is another blow for Chris Coleman who is having to deal with an injury crisis in the centre-back position for the league match against QPR.

John O'Shea is a doubt, Jake Clarke-Salter is suspended, Paddy McNair is unavailable and Darren Gibson is still out.

This means Lamine Kone is the only fit centre-back left.

Sunderland are already in a tough situation, so this will just pile on the pressure.

The match against QPR is a big opportunity for some much-needed points because Ian Holloway's side are currently struggling as well.

There isn't many opportunities like this game left for Sunderland because they only have four other games against teams threatened by relegation in their last ten games.

Browning has been one of the constants in the defence with 27 appearances in the league since joining on loan from Everton in the summer.

Only three players have been involved in more league games this season for the Black Cats.

The Verdict

This is another blow for Sunderland in a season to forget.

Coleman has another selection headache to solve before Saturday. The best solution would be either to move back another midfielder into defence such as Lee Cattermole or he could bring in right-back Billy Jones like he did when Browning went off against Aston Villa.

Regardless, neither solution is ideal for such an important game and Sunderland fans as well as Coleman will be hoping that the club doesn't have to deal with any additional injury issues for the remaining games.

It's a shame for Browning as well because he was getting consistent game time which is important for his development. This was the first time he was being given consistent first-team football in his career.