Sunderland defender Paddy McNair is likely to miss the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
The 21-year-old, who joined from Manchester United in August, has made 12 appearances for a Black Cats side that are 19th in the Premier League.
He was injured during his side's 3-0 win over Hull City on Saturday.
Sunderland admitted he "faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines", making him a doubt for Northern Ireland's World Cup 2018 qualifier against Norway in March.