SUNDERLAND will be without top scorer Ross Stewart until the end of the season - but the striker's Achilles injury isn't bad as first feared.

As reported by Sky Sports, Stewart has suffered a 30% partial tear rather than a full rupture, which means the striker will be out for around four months rather than more than treble that, as initially feared.

The 26-year-old is now set for surgery this week and, say Sky, is "very positive" having initially thought he was going to be set for a much longer spell out of action.

Stewart's rehab is due to start in a fortnight and he's expected to be back for the start of pre-season.

The injury, however, means Sunderland are now back in the market for a centre-forward ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline.

The Black Cats have been trying to strengthen up-front all window after Ellis Simms' Everton recall at the start of the month and last week landed Joe Gelhardt on loan from Leeds, a major boost with several Championship clubs having been in for the youngster.

However, Gelhardt was signed to support Stewart and the injury suffered at Fulham means the Leeds loanee is now the only senior striker on the club's books.

Sunderland immediately set about assessing their options after Saturday's game at Craven Cottage, with a Simms return still very much a possibility.

Despite only being confirmed as Everton's new boss yesterday, Sean Dyche held lengthy transfer discussions with Goodison Park club chiefs at the end of last week, and signing a striker is the priority for the Toffees today, with Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres said to be a £15m target. Andre Ayew is also reportedly interesting Everton, with Dyche braced for a busy deadline day.

If Everton decide to allow Simms to leave, he can only join Sunderland having already played for two clubs this season.