Sunderland manager Jack Ross has revealed that midfielder George Honeyman could now miss the start of the season after picking up a knee injury in preseason, report the Chronicle.

The Black Cats captain was left out of the squad that recently traveled to a pre-season training camp in Portugal and it has now been confirmed that it was due to injury.

“I was at an EFL meeting on Monday and George picked up a knee injury," Ross said.

“In fairness, it’s been bothering him for a little while now and early in pre-season it’s been troubling him again, it’s not really settled down.

"He always wants to train and be involved, but it’s been causing him a lot of discomfort. The work that needs done on it is minor, but it meant he wouldn’t have been able to do anything out here, even rehab, so it’s not worthwhile him coming out."

Honeyman will now stay behind for treatment in Sunderland in the hope of being ready for the club's season-opener against Oxford United at the Stadium of Light in August.

Last season saw the 24-year-old make 35 appearances in League One, scoring six goals and assisting three more.

But it was a season of disappointment for the Black Cats who, after their automatic promotion charge had collapsed, were beaten in the play-off final by an injury time winner against Charlton Athletic.

The verdict

I think Ross has probably made the right decision here.

Honeyman will no doubt be an important player again this season and Sunderland will need him fiti and firing as soon as humanly possible.

That being said, it is a real shame for the player. He has had his share of injury problems in the past and he will now miss out on crucial pre-season preparations as well.

Their midfield was one of the Black Cats strongest areas last season but with Lee Cattermole now departed and Honeyman's injury returning, Ross must make sure it is well bolstered.