EDDIE Howe expects luckless Adam Federici to spend three months on the sidelines after the goalkeeper underwent knee surgery.

Following a deadline-day loan move to Nottingham Forest, the 32-year-old felt discomfort in the joint while on Australia duty during the international break.

It was the same knee which he had surgery on in February, with damage sustained to the cartilage ending his season.

Providing an update on Federici's condition, Howe told the Daily Echo: "The surgery was successful.

"They found and identified the problem so we expect him to be out for a similar time frame to last season. We're looking at around 12 weeks.

"It is the same as previously, he has a meniscus problem in his knee."

The boss admitted he was in the dark over how serious the hamstring injury picked up by on-loan striker Lewis Grabban would prove.

Grabban was forced off during Sunderland's Championship loss to Forest on Tuesday.

Howe said: "I'm not too sure of the extent of the problem and how long he is going to be out. He will be treated by Sunderland unless it is a season-ending problem."

The manager also revealed he had a decision to make over Junior Stanislas, who is inching closer to full fitness following a nagging groin complaint.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's clash with Brighton (8pm), Howe added: "I'm going to have to make a decision. Junior has trained with us this week, which has been great to see, and he has trained well."