There was a lot of hand-wringing in yesterday's Barn Door Live chat about the lack of information on the status of Wes Brown's injury. *whew!* Well, now we know.

Sunderland defender Wes Brown is likely to be sidelined for eight weeks by his knee injury.

The former Manchester United man damaged a knee during Sunday's 1-1 FA Cup fourth round draw with Middlesbrough, and it was at first feared that his season could be over.

However, a scan has revealed that the damage may not be as extensive as was first thought.

Manager Martin O'Neill said: 'We don't think he needs the operation, but he will be two weeks in a brace, two weeks elsewhere and you are looking at probably about eight weeks before he is back.

So it looks like Michael Turner partnering John O'Shea for the medium term. Adjust your expectations accordingly.