Sunderland's Steven Fletcher ruled out of Stoke City clash

Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher has been ruled out of his side's Premier League clash against Stoke City due to an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old has re-aggravated a problem he sustained last year which forced him to miss the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

However, Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is optimistic that the injury will not keep the Scotland international out for too long.

"It is the same ankle he had an operation on a while ago," Advocaat told the club's official website.

"Today he is having an investigation on it in London so let's wait and see what that will bring. I'm positive that he will be back soon."

Fletcher has scored four goals in the Premier League this season, but has failed to find the net since the beginning of November.