Sunderland defender Paul McShane has undergone a knee operation and is battling to be fit for the new season.
McShane fractured his kneecap on holiday and returned to the club for surgery on the problem this week.
He will miss the club's pre-season and is not certain to be fit for the first Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool.
complex fracture
"It was a very complex fracture, but we managed to get Paul back with us straight away so he could get the best possible attention," club doctor Glenn Rae told the club's official website.
"The operation was a success and Paul will now undergo intensive rehabilitation during the course of the pre-season.
"We're hopeful he'll be able to return to action by the start of the new season."
www.safc.com