Black Cats dealt Phillips injury blow

Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips could be out of action for six weeks after undergoing a hernia operation.

Phillips went under the surgeon's knife over the weekend after being troubled by the injury following the draw with Manchester United on August 31.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "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."

"It's difficult to put a time limit on things like this but if all goes according to plan he should only be out for three to six weeks.

"We just felt that it was important to have the problem dealt with straight away."