Anton Ferdinand is likely to be sidelined for at least a month, states Sunderland boss Steve Bruce. The 24-year-old centre-half suffered ankle ligament damage during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

It had been hoped that the problem was not as bad as first feared, but medical tests have confirmed that a lengthy spell of rest is required in order to make a full recovery.

Bruce told the Sunderland Echo: "It's a nasty one for Anton.

"Nevland's body weight came down on the ankle when they went to ground and he's no chance of being ready for the weekend.

"He's got no chance for Saturday and it looks like it could be a month at least for him.

"It's disappointing for him and disappointing for me."