SUNDERLAND have been dealt a major injury blow with defender Aji Alese set to be sidelined for 12 weeks.
Alese had enjoyed a hugely impressive start to the season but suffered an ankle injury in training earlier this week and his lengthy spell on the sidelines has now been confirmed after scans.
A Sunderland statement, released ahead of this afternoon's game at Portsmouth, said: "Alese will undergo further tests next week to finalise his rehabilitation programme, with the 23-year-old currently targeting a return to action following the November international break."
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Sunderland moved to strengthen their defence on deadline day after Alese's injury, with Bournemouth's Chris Mepham joining on a season-long loan.
The Wales international isn't available to feature today, with Dan Ballard making his first start of the season alongside Luke O'Nien.
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