Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has revealed that midfielder Lee Cattermole could require an operation on his knee injury.
The 26-year-old hasn't played a match for the Black Cats in the calendar year after suffering the injury at the end of 2014.
The Uruguayan has admitted that the problem may need surgery if the midfielder can't return to training soon.
"We've got a big decision to make about the next few steps," Poyet told reporters. "An operation would be the worst-case scenario but the best would be for Lee to start jogging on Monday.
"We need to make sure Lee doesn't have any more setbacks with his knee."
Sunderland play Burnley in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light later today.
