MICK McCARTHY wants to make sure Julio Arca's return to action will be on the Premiership stage.

After a number of scans on the knee injury sustained in training eight days ago, Arca has learned he has to undergo an operation.

It is a massive set-back to the Black Cats' hopes of returning to the top-flight as the Argentinean has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

That means third-placed Sunderland, who are hoping for the three points against Crewe today that will secure a top-six spot, will have to do without fans' favourite Arca in any play-off challenge.

Disappointed boss McCarthy said: "It's a huge blow to me, to the team, the fans and to Julio himself because he's been terrific. He has come through the season and played well. He's going to miss the play-offs, if we get into them, and that is not ideal.

"But footballers and coaches have to get on with things when you get injuries. You always make contingency plans and that's how we have to play it.

"We now have to get on with it and get promoted to make sure we make him a Premiership player next year because he has done well for us."

As well as having Arca missing today, as Sunderland try to halt an alarming losing run of four games without a win, McCarthy also has Stephen Wright, Matt Piper and Paul Thirlwell out injured.

But defender George McCartney is likely to shake off his knee injury and should be able to take over from Phil Babb at left-back.

"Phil's attitude and professionalism has been tremendous for us," said McCarthy. "It's all very good playing centre-back but he has done really well playing left-back like Roberto Carlos! George should be alright for Saturday, though, because he trained on Thursday."

He added: "The physios here have been hard worked. If they had been in private practice they would be a wealthy bunch.

"We have been tested throughout the season with injuries and this is the biggest test. There's not many players left. We had 16 players training on Thursday, we don't have such a big squad."

Sunderland defender Darren Williams told Northern Echo SPORT recently that the players are trying to block out the possibility of missing out on a place in the play-offs.

McCarthy understands why, but the former Republic of Ireland boss is not taking anything for granted after watching his side lose touch with the automatic promotion places.

"The players will try to forget about the chances of dropping out," said McCarthy, whose side have not scored during their recent poor run. "They all know they could have won the league or finished second. The thought of missing out on the play-offs was never really in their thoughts.

"A play-off place was the least we were expecting before the West Brom game, but we have to make sure that is achieved."

Crewe manager Dario Gradi is in his 20th season in charge at Gresty Road and McCarthy said: "Dario does his job very, very well. He got the PFA Merit award last weekend and it's fully deserved.

"He loves his football, quite clearly, and he's worn into the fabric there now."

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