It is believed that the £5million buy has gone into rehab for a week-long stint for personal reasons.

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The 24-year-old, who joined the Black Cats on a four-year deal from Cardiff City in July last year, has reportedly checked into the Sporting Chance Clinic in the Hampshire countryside.

The centre was set up by former Arsenal and England footballer Tony Adams, and has been used by numerous top players, including Adrian Mutu, Noel Whelan and Paul Gascoigne.

SAFC today pledged to support Chopra, who has scored six league goals from 33 games for the club, including a matchwinner on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur last season.

Manager Roy Keane told the Echo: "We are helping Michael as he deals with some personal issues and he has the full support of everyone at the club.

"We would ask that his privacy, and that of his family, is respected at this time and the club will not be commenting further on this matter."

A former England youth and under 21 international, Chopra started out at Newcastle United before moving to Cardiff.

He was top scorer at the Welsh club in 2006/07 with 22 goals from 42 games, and has also had loan spells at Watford, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley.

Chopra has a six-month old son with his wife, reality TV star Heather Swan, 24, who was a hit on ITV2 show Wag's Boutique.

However, there have been reports of problems with their relationship since the couple married in June, at a chapel built on an island at a luxury hotel's estate in Somerset.

It has been reported that Northumbria Police were called after Chopra went to a house in Newcastle this week.

The force confirmed the details but said they were not called out because of a disturbance.

A spokesman added: "At 2.30am on Monday, police were called to a report of a man outside and ringing the doorbell at an address in Gosforth.

"On arrival, suitable advice was given to the man, but no offences were committed."