Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer faces at least six weeks out of action after undergoing surgery for a hernia, his club announced today.
McAteer pulled out of Ireland's Euro 2004 qualifier against Switzerland last night because of stomach pain, but had hoped to avoid going under the surgeon's knife, Sunderland reported on its website.
Tests, however, confirmed the problem and he is now facing six weeks of recuperation. McAteer has not played for the Black Cats since the defeat by Newcastle on September 21st.
On Merseyside the news was not much better for Steven Gerrard who gave Liverpool another major injury worry today. It has emerged that his hip problem could rule him out of the Reds' most important week of the season so far.
The England midfielder suffered the injury in last night's embarrassing 2-2 Euro 2004 qualifier draw with Macedonia at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.
Gerrard is expected to miss Saturday's Premiership clash at Leeds - and possibly Tuesday's Champions League showdown against Spartak Moscow in Russia.
The 22-year-old midfielder limped off in the 56th minute and joins Emile Heskey (groin) and Chris Kirkland (back) on Gerard Houllier's injury list after this week's senior and under-21 internationals.
Gerrard said: "I think my hip might be a problem for the weekend. I don't know about next week. I got a nasty bang when I went up for a header.
"It's swelled up a bit as it's bruised, so I'll be in a bit of pain for a few days at least."
PA