SUNDERLAND have been rocked by the news that Enzo Le Fee and Dan Ballard are both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Le Fee will be out for four to six weeks and Ballard six to eight weeks, Regis Le Bris has confirmed.
It means both will be absent for a significant chuck of Sunderland's run-in, with the Black Cats facing six Championship games in the next six weeks.
That includes trips to Coventry, West Brom and Norwich, all sides hopeful of securing a top six finish.
Both Le Fee and Ballard suffering hamstring injuries in the weekend defeat to Hull City. Le Fee failed to reappear for the second half after complaining of the issue at the break, while Ballard suffered his injury shortly after the break.
"We expect Enzo to be out for four to six weeks, said Le Bris.
"Dan will be six to eight."
There was better news on the injury front for Sunderland, with Le Bris confirming Tommy Watson has resumed full training.
Friday night's game at Sheffield Wednesday could come too soon for Watson, but if that is the case the winger will return to the squad for next week's visit of Cardiff City.
Le Bris said: "He was involved with the full training session this morning. It is really good news for us."
