Defender Injury Crisis

It was a blow to lose Bramble for up to six weeks with a knee operation being scheduled for today, but the situation seems to have worsened today.

Michael Turner has now become the latest defender to be out injured for ‘up to two months’ with knee ligament damage.

Turner who dramatically rescued a goal line attempt off the line collided with the post in the process. This leaves Sunderland without both Bramble and Turner up until the New Year.

Bruce said: ‘It’s horrible news. Michael whacked his knee against the post on Monday and damaged knee ligaments.

‘He will see a specialist today. I believe it could be months rather than weeks, and that’s a big blow to us.

‘I hope the ones who come in can do the job which they’ve been doing. They’ll be a big act to follow.’

This will allow Ferdinand and Da Silva the chance to step up and make a name for themselves. Bruce could also make some changes and bring Onouha into the middle and draft Bardsley over to the right in order for Richardson to return back to his left back role.

It is going to be a big test and the importance of John Mensah being fully fit soon has been increased massively.