Sunderland midfielder Dickson Etuhu is expected to miss the rest of the season after being told he requires surgery on a knee problem.Etuhu has been struggling with the injury for the last few weeks and scans have shown he requires an immediate operation.

The powerful midfielder last figured for Sunderland in the 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth in February.

The surgery is not serious, but will sideline the former Norwich man for the remainder of the campaign.

The news is a blow for Black Cats boss Roy Keane as he looks to secure his side's safety in the Premier League.

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