Sunderland striker Ross Stewart is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines after damaging a thigh muscle ahead of Monday night’s Tees-Wear derby.

The 26-year-old Scotland international, who has scored five goals in seven Sky Bet Championship appearances for the promoted Black Cats, was forced to withdraw from the team for the 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough after sustaining an injury in the warm-up.

A scan has revealed significant damage and he now faces a period of rehabilitation which could keep him out for between six and eight weeks.

Head coach Tony Mowbray told the club’s officia...