Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson will be out of
action for up to three months with a stress fracture of the
back.
Richardson, a summer signing from Manchester United, missed out on
returning to Old Trafford after complaining of the injury which
tests have revealed to be worse than anticipated.
Manager Roy Keane told the club's website, www.safc.com: "We'll
have more news after he sees a surgeon later today.
"I would have thought that he'll be out for two to three months.
"It's a major disappointment. Kieran was able to do elements of
training but it affected him when he twisted or hit the ball
hard.
"In the last week or two we were hoping that it might settle down
but clearly it's a lot more serious."
