Sunderland in injury crisis
Sunderland is suffering an injury crisis ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend.
The club picked up three more injuries during the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat to West Ham United. Anton Ferdinand, Kieran Richardson and Asamoah Gyan all picked up knocks and are doubtful for the Liverpool
game. The three join John Mensah and Michael Turner in the treatment room.
"It looks as if we have three centre-backs missing; Ferdinand, Turner and Mensah for the weekend.
The idea was to get Gyan some fitness work [against West Ham], but that has backfired as he has picked up a hamstring injury too,"
manager Steve Bruce said.
There is now a huge strain on the rest of the Sunderland squad and results may suffer as a consequence. It's important that replacements step up to the challenge.
A huge strain
The problem Bruce faces is picking players to compete against Liverpool that aren't first choice. However, these players should come into the side and relish the unexpected
chance they have been given.
Bruce has to have faith in the second string of players at the club. They may not possess the same levels of quality but work ethic and determination can go a long way
in a big game.
A big worry for the club is the threat of further injuries. Any player is subject to injury in any game. If this happened then Sunderland would be forced to turn to the
reserve and youth team squads for cover.
This would ultimately mean the club loses a higher ratio of matches because the players on display aren't Premier League quality. This would have a negative impact on morale,
which will affect the club's position at the end of the season.
Bruce added: "We don't think he [Gyan] is as bad as Richardson and Ferdinand.
Kieran's done his hamstring and we'll see how bad it is. Ferdinand has a hamstring problem too."
Betting advice
Bruce has a very experienced football brain. He will prepare his team in the right manner to play Liverpool regardless of the players. However, Liverpool should shade this
match so back Roy Hodgson's men.
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