Midfield crisis for Cats boss Bruce

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is facing yet another injury crisis with four midfielders doubtful for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Bolton.

Last Updated: 08/03/10 at 12:00

Cattermole: Struggling with a hamstring-related problem

Cattermole: Struggling with a hamstring-related problem

Kieran Richardson, who has started the last two games after recovering from a calf injury, has damaged his other calf muscle, while Lee Cattermole is struggling with a hamstring-related problem.

Andy Reid (hamstring) and Jordan Henderson (ankle) are close to returning from lengthy lay-offs, but the game could come too soon for them, while David Meyler completes his three-match ban.

However, Steed Malbranque will be involved after returning to the squad following a breach of club discipline.

The 30-year-old Frenchman did not even make the bench for last weekend's 0-0 draw with Fulham amid reports he had broken a curfew ahead of the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Bruce has confirmed Malbranque was punished for a misdemeanour, but was not elaborating as he confirmed the player will be involved on Tuesday.

Bruce said: "Whatever has happened, Steed knows what's happened and with that, he has been punished and he has taken his punishment.

"As far as I am concerned, the matter is closed. It will remain confidential, like anything that happens in the football club.

"Unfortunately with media, it always seems to get out, but the matter has been dealt with. He is in the squad and he will play some part."

Cats (from): Gordon, Fulop, Bardsley, Hutton, Turner, Ferdinand, Mensah, Kilgallon, Da Silva, Cattermole, Cana, Zenden, Richardson, Malbranque, Reid, Henderson, Campbell, Bent, Jones, Benjani, Liddle, Noble.

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Barclays Premier League

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Man Utd 38 43 89
2 Man City 38 32 78
3 Chelsea 38 36 75
4 Arsenal 38 35 73
5 Tottenham 38 20 72
6 Everton 38 15 63
7 Liverpool 38 28 61
8 West Brom 38 -4 49
9 Swansea 38 -4 46
10 West Ham 38 -8 46
11 Norwich 38 -17 44
12 Fulham 38 -10 43
13 Stoke City 38 -11 42
14 Southampton 38 -11 41
15 A Villa 38 -22 41
16 Newcastle 38 -23 41
17 Sunderland 38 -13 39
18 Wigan 38 -26 36
19 Reading 38 -30 28
20 QPR 38 -30 25

Updated Sun, 19 May 2013

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