Sunderland¿s Kevin Phillips will be out for three to six weeks after undergoing a hernia operation at the weekend.
It is the player's second operation in four months. He had groin surgery in May.
Sunderland manager Peter Reid told the club's website: "It's disappointing for Kevin but it's one of those things where we thought it would be best to get the operation done straight away".
Tore Andre Flo and Marcus Stewart are expected to start up-front against Middlesbrough tonight.
READ MORE
PA