Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips says that the injury suffered by attacker Lynden Gooch is a big blow for the Black Cats this season.
Gooch has scored two goals and provided six assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for Phil Parkinson's side across the course of the campaign so far.
However, the American international now looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines, after Parkinson revealed earlier this week that Gooch could be out of action for up to a month with the injury, which Phillips believes will be a big loss for Sunderland.
Speaking to Football Insider about that injury suffered by Gooch, Phillips said: “It is a big blow to lose a player of his quality. He can turn a match on his head, he is a very offensive player who has skill.
“It is a blow and another thing that Phil has to deal with. Sadly it is part and parcel of football. When you are down, people tread on you.
"You just do not get the rub of the green, you do not get that bit of luck. It is unfortunate to lose him, it will be a big blow."
Indeed, it seems Phillips believes that Gooch's injury could even force Sunderland into the market in January if the club's proposed takeover does happen before then, as he went on to add: “Hopefully, if the new owners come in they can make some money available and bring another player through the door in January to cover that area.”