Pickford undergoes knee scan

Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has undergone a scan on the knee injury he sustained during the St Stephen's Day defeat to Manchester United.

The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the Black Cats' 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford, and only felt the effects of the injury in the dressing-room after the match.

Sunderland’s medical staff believe the England Under-21 goalkeeper could be sidelined for at least three months.

Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone is likely to come in for Pickford for the New Year's Eve visit to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.

In other Sunderland news, Sebastian Larsson says he has no immediate plans to return to Sweden, despite reported interest from AIK and Gothenburg.

The 31-year-old started the game at Old Trafford, his fifth first-team appearance this season after returning quicker than expected from knee medial ligament surgery in the summer.

"I never close doors to anything, but it is not appropriate to move home right now," Larsson told Swedish television network TV4.

However, the former Sweden international, whose Sunderland contract ends in June 2018, says he expects to return to his homeland at some point in the future.

"It will be natural," added Larsson.

"I am an Eskilstuna guy, and all of a sudden there is a team from Eskilstuna [AFC United] which plays in the [Swedish] Premier League.

"I have been joking around with my dad about that.

"I hope first and foremost to remain abroad for a few years, but I close no doors to eventually play at home."

Photo (Getty Images/ Jan Kruger)

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