Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has assured Ghana fans they will take care of defender John Mensah.

Mensah should be fit for Sunderland's trip to Hull after being taken off as a precaution against Burnley.

The Ghana international did not reappear after the break against Burnley at the weekend with his side leading 2-0.

However, Bruce revealed he withdrew his injury-plagued loan signing from Lyon to protect him for the remaining weeks of the season and this summer's World Cup finals and expects him to be available at the KC Stadium.

Bruce said: "John is okay, he will be fit for next week. That was the calculated gamble, to be 2-0 up and say, 'Okay, it's job done'.

"Also, we have to look after John, first and foremost to get him through the next three games, but he has got a huge World Cup coming up.

"He will be okay for next week, hopefully - unless he falls off his bike."