Moyes confirms 3-month layoff for Borini

Sunderland may regret not picking up a striker during the summer transfer window, after David Moyes confirmed Thursday that Fabio Borini will be sidelined three months with a torn groin muscle.

Contrary to popular myth, the Black Cats are themselves stricken with bad luck, after Borini suffered the injury while taking a free kick during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Southampton at St. Mary's.

Moments later, the 25-year-old Chelsea academy product limped off in noticeable pain, and Moyes is now hampered by limited options up front.

"Borini, we expect to be out for three months, that is a rough guide," Moyes told the Sunderland Echo.

"There is a chance it could be a bit quicker," the former Toffees gaffer added, though from the sounds of it, Borini is facing a long road to recovery. "We are being told it is three months though, an adductor that came off the bone."

Despite a busy transfer window that saw Sunderland bolster its defence with additions of Didier Ndong and Papy Djilobodji, along with loan moves for Javier Manquillo and Jason Denayer, the injury to Borini leaves Moyes with limited options in the attacking third of the pitch.

Jermain Defoe will be relied on heavily, with Duncan Watmore and 17-year-old Joel Asoro the only other senior team forwards. With the window now closed, Moyes and company will have to wait until January, barring a surprise acquisition of an unattached, top-flight player. Easier said than done.

In hindsight, Wednesday's failed move for Norwich City Scottish international Steven Naismith now carries even more consequence, with Borini likely out until December.