Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was dealt a fresh blow today when it was confirmed that defender Anton Ferdinand could be sidelined for at least a month. The 24-year-old was hurt by a challenge from Fulham striker Erik Nevland during Sunday's league match at Fulham, which Sunderland went on to lose 1-0.

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."

Ferdinand's misfortune ahead of Saturday's home clash with Portsmouth is one of many selection headaches for Steve Bruce of late. George McCartney is struggling with a hamstring problem, John Mensah is out with a calf injury and both Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley are suspended.