Premier League news are out and it has ben revealed that Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has a major doubt over the fitness of midfielder Steed Malbranque ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The Frenchman twisted an ankle in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Bolton and is rated at 50-50 at best, while Kieran Richardson is struggling with a dead leg suffered in the same game.
Another midfielder, Andy Reid missed the trip to the Reebok Stadium with a thigh problem, but was expected to resume training on Monday, while keeper Craig Gordon was on the bench at the weekend as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Summer signing Paulo da Silva is working his way back to full match fitness, while Paul McShane remains on the sidelines after knee surgery.