Soccer

Sunderland lose key players

Fletcher and Cattermole to miss the rest of the season as Black Cats fight to avoid relegation

Scotland's Steven Fletcher is injured during the World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park last week. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.
Scotland's Steven Fletcher is injured during the World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park last week. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.
Wed Mar 27 2013 - 16:27

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill was this afternoon dealt a devastating double blow when it was confirmed that both Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole will miss the rest of the season.

Leading scorer Fletcher suffered ankle ligament damage on international duty with Scotland last week, and midfielder Cattermole underwent surgery on a persistent knee problem earlier today.

A club statement said: “Sunderland have confirmed today that striker Steven Fletcher and captain Lee Cattermole will miss the rest of the current campaign due to injury.”