Christian Bassila has been ruled out of Sunderland's next Premiership clash.
Christian Bassila has been ruled out of Sunderland's next Premiership clash, the visit of Manchester United to The Stadium of Light.
The powerful Frenchman has made an instant impression on Wearside, adding muscle to the side's midfield, but he limped out of the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Saturday.
Although the equally influential Julio Arca hopes to return for the United match on October 15, Bassila's absence is a blow to Mick McCarthy.
"It's a blow," Bassila told Sunderland's official website after hurting his hamstring. "You never want to be injured.
"It's a bit sore at the moment but hopefully I won't be out too long."
Tommy Miller, the goalscorer in the draw with The Hammers, paid tribute to his new team-mate afterwards.
"Christian has been a rock for us since he came into the squad," said the former Ipswich Town midfielder. "And made it easier for Dean Whitehead and I to get forward, which has helped us create chances as a team."
Arca, who netted a wonderful free kick in the win at Middlesbrough, missed the West Ham game with a toe problem but is hopeful of declaring himself available for the next Premiership examination.
