Sunderland endured a nightmare start to the Championship play-off final after losing the influential Luke O'Nien, who picked up a nasty looking shoulder injury.

The Black Cats star required oxygen after landing awkwardly following an aerial duel in the second minute of Saturday's match. He was sadly unable to continue after treatment, though he was able to leave the pitch of his own accord.

Former striker Marco Gabbiadini, analysing the game for Radio , immediately recognised that O'Nien was in trouble due to the fact he had uncharacteristically stayed down.

He said: "I think this is a problem for Sunderland straight away, Luke O'Nien does not go down like that. It's a blow, but at least the bench is looking a bit stronger than it has done before."

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O'Nien was left stricken after leaping into the air with Kieffer Moore, whose powerful header produced a magnificent save from Antony Patterson to ensure Regis Le Bris' side remained on level terms.

would later confirm that O'Nien, who was met by his wife en route to the medical room, suffered a dislocated shoulder, though medics did manage to pop it back into place.

Chris Mepham was introduced from the bench to replace O'Nien but there was little he or anyone else in white could do to prevent Sheffield United's opener, which was plundered by Tyrese Campbell after a fine run and pass from Gustavo Hamer.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news storyand will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

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