Ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Manchester United, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is facing a defensive crisis. Bruce is likely to be without injured trio Anton Ferdinand, John Mensah and Kieran Richardson for the game at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have picked up five of their seven points so far against sides classed as Champions League hopefuls, having beaten Manchester City and drawn against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Speaking to the club's official website, Bruce said: "It's a bit early to say; we'll have to look on Friday and see where we are.
"I would think that Mensah, Richardson and Ferdinand are all doubtful. The game may come a bit too quickly for them."
Bruce will also be missing the impressive Danny Welbeck, who is ineligible to play against his parent club.
"Danny will be a miss. He's played well and given us something we need on the left-hand side. I've been very, very pleased with him of late."
