Sunderland made it six consecutive wins in League One with a routine 2-0 victory at Plymouth Argyle yesterday, but were without the services of influential midfielder Lee Cattermole.

He's been in terrific form for them this season, but he sat out of the trip to Home Park, sparking injury concerns amongst Black Cats' fans.

Manager Jack Ross was forced to reveal the reason for his omission, admitting he may not be available for the FA Cup 1st round tie at Port Vale next weekend either.

“Lee has had an ongoing foot problem since the Shrewsbury game,” Ross told the Chronicle Live. “To his credit, Lee played through a lot of pain against Doncaster and then in particular against Southend, but I would suggest we will probably be without him again next weekend but hopefully after that he will be back to fitness."

He stressed that the omission was partly due to concerns it could develop into something more serious were he forced to play against Derek Adams' side.

“It was something we couldn’t risk flaring up and developing into something more long-term.”

In his absence his side were resolute against the struggling Pilgrims, with two second half goals from Cattermole's replaces, Aidan McGeady, settling the tie. The result lifts them above Peterborough United and into second place, three points behind Portsmouth with a game in hand.

The Verdict

It could be seen as a big blow, losing a player of Cattermole's experience and influence, but the side did well enough without him in place.

If the injury is dealt with in the right way, he shouldn't be out for long and it seems as though Ross is willing to sacrifice him for the trip to Vale Park in order to focus on returning when they host Wycombe on November 17th.

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