Latest News: 25 November, 2010 Average rating: 0.0
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Cats suffer Turner blow
Michael Turner is set for a considerable lay-off with a knee injury sustained against Everton.
Steve Bruce has been dealt another defensive hammer blow with the news that Michael Turner is set for a long lay-off with a knee problem.
The former Hull man collided with the post while making a goal-line clearance against Everton, although he did manage to complete the game.
But further investigations uncovered knee ligament damage, with Bruce placing his recovery time in the "months" category.
It's a huge setback for the Sunderland manager, who has already lost Titus Bramble to a cartilage problem.
"It's horrible news," said Bruce. "Michael whacked his knee against the post on Monday and damaged knee ligaments.
"He'll see a specialist today. I believe it could be months rather than weeks and that's a big blow to us.
"Danny, Darren and Asamoah take the plaudits but in Michael and Titus we have lost a big partnership who have done very, very well for us.
"I hope the ones who come in can do the job which they've been doing. They'll be a big act to follow, I have to tell you."
Bruce has placed great importance on his centre-back partnership this season, something borne out through his own playing career.
He played alongside Gary Pallister in the successful Manchester United sides of the nineties and attributed their understanding to a lack of injuries.
"When I was playing I played alongside big Pally [Gary Pallister] and we never missed a game, playing 60 games a season," he said.
"We were fortunate - that's the little bit of luck you need. We played every week and that's what we were heading to with Turner and Bramble.
"It's a huge loss - one I hope we can overcome but it will be a big challenge."