Sunderland midfielder Corry Evans out for the rest of the season  | OneFootball

Sunderland have announced that midfielder and skipper Corry Evans will be out of action for the rest of the season.

He picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Sunday in his side’s win over Middlesbrough.

Evans will undergo surgery and focus on rehabilitation after suffering the injury. The 32-year-old will target a return ahead of next season’s campaign.

That campaign may not be with the Black Cats because he is out of a contract this summer. It will be interesting to see if they offer him a new deal.

Evans had to come off the pitch after only 11 minutes in the game against Boro. On-loan midfielder Edouard Michut replaced him.

A statement from Sunderland read: “Sunderland can confirm that Corry Evans has suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

“The midfielder will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season after picking up the injury during Sunday’s win over Middlesbrough.

“We’re right behind you, skipper.”

Evans has played 24 matches for Sunderland this season. The Northern Ireland international has been crucial since joining in 2021 from Blackburn Rovers, where he played 220 games.

“He has made 64 appearances for Sunderland, scoring two and assisting two.

Evans will be tough to replace, but Sunderland have options. They can also dip into the transfer market.

The experienced defensive midfielder has helped Sunderland stay in contention for a play-off place. They are ninth in the table but only one point away from Watford in third place.

Former defender Wes Brown recently stated that he 100% believes the club can make the play-offs. He backed manager Tony Mowbray to take his side into the top six.

Brown also heaped praise on Sunderland talisman Ross Stewart. The striker won a penalty in the second half of the Boro game, leading to the sending off of Dael Fry, much to Boro coach Michael Carrick’s anger.

Zack Steffen saved Stewart’s initial spot-kick before the attacker scored the rebound. The goal took the Scotland striker’s tally to ten goals in 13 appearances this term.

Brown warned that the 26-year-old could be on the move this summer with Scottish Premiership club Rangers showing interest.