In the wake of an ongoing trial on child sex charges, Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson is unlikely to feature in his side's Premier League game against Manchester United at home on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the 28-year-old winger admitted one count of sexual activity with a 15-year-old school girl and one of grooming at Bradford crown court. However, he denied two other counts of sexual activity with the child and is due to go on trial on Friday.
Sunderland's manager, Sam Allardyce, will confirm the absence of Johnson for the match against United in a press conference on Thursday, the Guardian reported.
Johnson started his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then to Sunderland for a staggering 10million pound in 2012. He played 20 games for his current side this season.
He was suspended by the north-east club following his arrest on 2 March last year. However, his suspension was revoked when his bail was extended by five weeks a fortnight later.