Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has revealed that Patrick van Aanholt is set for an operation on his shoulder which will keep him out for up to three months.
Van Aanholt, 24, sustained a dislocated shoulder during the Black Cats' 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Nov. 3 following a challenge on Wilfried Zaha.
And Poyet confirmed the extent of the defender's injury when speaking after his side's 1-1 draw against Everton on Sunday.
INJURY UPDATE: Gus Poyet confirms Patrick van Aanholt requires a shoulder op - "he'll be out for two and a half to three months" #SAFC
- Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) November 9, 2014
"Unfortunately Patrick is going to need an operation which means he is going to be out for two-and-a-half to three months," Poyet told Sunderland's official website.
"It is a big loss because he is a left-footed left-back and there are not too many of them in the world, but we will help him and we will have to cope with it."