Sunderland, sitting in seventh place in the English Premier League, will be without their starting central defense tandem until 2011. In the last week both Michael Turner and Titus Bramble have come down with knee injuries in the last week, forcing Sunderland to rely on John Mensah, Anton Ferdinand and Paulo da Silva through December.
Sunderland To Finish 2010 Without Titus Bramble, Michael Turner
To this point, Sunderland’s shown a surprisingly strong defense. Coming off a season in which the team allowed 56 goals (the seventh highest total in the league), the Black Cats have allowed only 15 goals through 14 games this season. Only two clubs (Chelsea, Manchester City) have better goal prevention rates.
There are a number of reason for Sunderland’s improved defense. Nedum Onouha’s loan from Manchester City has had huge benefits, as has the play of Phil Bardley at left fullback, allowing Kieran Richardson to move back into midfielder. The acquisition of the oft-maligned Bramble is also a factor, as is his partnership with Turner, a partnership which Bruce will now have to replace.
Turner hurt his knee in Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Everton on Monday. The 27-year-old defender incurred ligament damage in a collision with a goal post. Though he finished the match, Turner is now set to see a specialist, with Steve Bruce claiming his prognosis is months, not weeks, on the sideline.
Bramble has a similar timeline to return, being set for a six week absence. The defender could be inline for surgery to repair damaged meniscus cartilage, an injury incurred in training late last week.
Turner and Bramble have combined for 22 appearances (12 for Bramble), a number that will stay static while Mensah, Ferdinand and da Silva fill-in. Mensah’s been limited to five appearances because of a reoccurring shoulder injury, an ailment that will keep the Ghanian international out two more weeks. That means Ferdinand, limited to six appearances (in part due to hamstring problems), will be called on, likely along side Paraguayan Paulo da Silva, who has made one appearance this season.
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