Piper picks up new injury

Matt Piper could face another operation after picking up a new ankle injury.

Piper has been dogged by a series of injuries since arriving at Sunderland from Leicester three years ago.

The 22-year-old is set to see a specialist over his latest injury and Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy fears he may have to go under the knife.

"Matt has a problem with his ankle," McCarthy told the club's official website.

"He might need an operation, we're having a look to see what we have to do."

Better news on the injury front for Sunderland is the return to fitness of Stephen Wright.

The former Liverpool defender has been out of action since August with a knee ligament problem, but McCarthy is hopeful he will be back soon.

"Wrighty has worked hard to get back and he's not far off," added McCarthy.