PORTSMOUTH 1-1 SUNDERLAND
Bruce woes eased as Malbranque escapes injury
The dark cloud surrounding Sunderland after their Premier League draw at Portsmouth has been given a silver lining with the news that winger Steed Malbranque has been released from hospital after having tests on a chest injury.
Sunderland had two men sent off and conceded a 95th minute equaliser on a forgettable Tuesday night at Fratton Park, but manager Steve Bruce at least won't have to contemplate the loss of Malbranque after the former Belgian-born France youth international was able to join his team-mates for their flight back to the north-east of England.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque has been given the all-clear after picking up a nasty knock against Portsmouth.
"The 30-year-old was substituted just before the break with a chest injury and was sent to hospital as a precaution. But the Belgian winger was discharged after tests and was able to rejoin his team-mates at the airport for the plane ride back to the north east. He will be monitored by the club's medical team and has just under two weeks to recover ahead of the game at Arsenal later this month.''
Bruce's side have 10 days to reflect on conceding a late equaliser to beleaguered Portsmouth, with their next match scheduled for February 20 at Arsenal. The Black Cats remain without an away win since the opening day of the season after Aruna Dindane cancelled out Darren Bent's early penalty.
Sunderland finished with nine men after the dismissals of Lee Cattermole and David Meyler. Meyler will serve a three-match ban for elbowing Steve Finnan and Cattermole a one-match suspension after his sending off for a second bookable offence. Cattermole will miss the match at the Emirates Stadium, while Meyler will also miss the fixtures with Fulham (February 28) and Aston Villa (March 6).
