Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been dealt a fresh blow with the news that defender Anton Ferdinand could be sidelined for at least a month.
The 24-year-old defender was hurt in a challenge by striker Erik Nevland in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Fulham and is facing a spell in the treatment room.
Steve Bruce told reporters that Anton Ferdinand has picked up a nasty injury and that the player has got no chance of playing in Saturday’s match. Bruce then said that Ferdinand could be out of action for at least a month and that it is very disappointing for the player and disappointing for him.
Ferdinand’s misfortune ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Portsmouth comes with George McCartney struggling with a hamstring problem, John Mensah out with a calf injury and Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley both suspended.