As well as the disappointment of losing back-to-back Barclays Premier League matches with the defeat at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, boss Sam Allardyce has further injury worries to contend with.

New signing Franco Di Santo limped out after 15 minutes of his first league start with a hamstring strain, whilst Ryan Nelsen came off at half time with a recurrence of the knee injury that forced him to miss the opening match of the season against Manchester City.

The treatment table had begun to look a lot lighter the past few weeks with the likes of Steven Reid, David Dunn, Brett Emerton and Vince Grella all back in full training, but this latest news has come as a setback.

"We've suffered a couple of injuries that we didn't want," admitted Allardyce.

"Certainly to Ryan Nelsen particularly as his knee has flared up again, so that will be some considerable time.

"Just when it seemed we were getting everyone back, Franco pulls a hamstring early doors as well.

"So that'll be a few weeks as well."