Report: Fabio Borini facing three-month absence

Sunderland striker Fabio Borini will reportedly miss the next three months of the season with a groin problem.

The Italian, who has started two of Sunderland's three Premier League matches this season, suffered ligament damage during his team's 1-1 draw with Southampton at the weekend.

According to Sky Sports News, Borini's scan showed a tear, which will keep the 25-year-old on the sidelines until December, leaving Jermain Defoe as Sunderland's only recognised first-team centre-forward.

Borini has joined a Black Cats injury list that also includes Vito Mannone, Sebastian Larsson, Lee Cattermole, Jan Kirchhoff and John O'Shea, while Jordan Pickford is said to be struggling with a thigh problem.