Sunderland have confirmed that forward Duncan Watmore has suffered a suspected cruciate knee ligament injury, and will be out for the foreseeable future.

The academy graduate had just returned to the first team squad following the same injury that kept him out for ten months, and news of his latest setback shared in The Sunderland Echo will come as a devastating blow to all associated with the club.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury in the first half of Saturday’s home draw with Millwall, with the knock the worst possible start to new manager Chris Coleman’s reign.

Watmore emerged from the side’s youth set-up during the latter years of the Black Cat’s Premier League era, and was a bright spark in the midst of dismal relegation threatened campaigns.

His last injury played a huge role in the Wearsiders’ eventual relegation, and Coleman will be bitterly disappointed to lose such an integral member of his squad at such an important time.

The Verdict

What a blow this is for player and club.

Watmore is a fantastic young player with a bright future ahead of him, and his return to full-fitness provided the club with hope in these dark times.

Ruled out for an indefinite period, Sunderland will have to survive without the input of the young forward, and Coleman must find a replacement in the January transfer window.

Ben Woodburn has been touted, but Black Cats fans will have to bide their time and see who Coleman can afford to bring in.

Black Cats fans, how much of a blow is this to your survival hopes? Have your say below...