SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Craig Gordon's worst fears have been realised after learning that a knee problem requires surgery.

Gordon will undergo an operation this weekend after scans revealed that action was required - meaning he will not figure in the Black Cats' relegation run in.

Speaking to The Northern Echo earlier this week, the 26-year-old was trying to remain hopeful that surgery would not be needed.

However, a specialist as suggested that course of action and now he is facing up to the prospect of trying to regain fitness in time to rejoin pre-season training at the beginning of July.

"I'm going to have it done on Saturday and hopefully that can sort out the problem as it's been a frustrating time for me," he said.

"There'll be a period of rest and recovery and then I'll start my rehab so I'm ready for pre-season training."

This has already been described by the player as "the worst season of his career" and this has just made it worse.

Gordon's first set-back this season came on the eve of the derby clash with Newcastle back in October, when he suffered an ankle injury - limiting him to just two appearances in a run of 26 games.