Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland facing defensive crisis as duo are banned for Portsmouth clash
[LNB] Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is facing a fresh selection headache aftersuffering a double suspension blow. [LNB]Full-backs Phil Bardsley and Kieran Richardson both picked up fifth bookings ofthe season in the 1-0 defeat at Fulham yesterday and will miss bottom side Portsmouth's visit to the Stadium of Light on Saturday. [LNB]With the club currently assessing the ankle injury defender Anton Ferdinandpicked up at Craven Cottage, John Mensah struggling with a persistent calfproblem, Lee Cattermole still fighting his way back from medial ligament damageand keeper Craig Gordon out for three months with a broken arm, Bruce findshimself with limited options once again. [LNB] Suspended: Kieran Richardson was booked against Fulham[LNB]Striker Kenwyne Jones returned from a three-match ban at Fulham, whileRichardson, who was sent off at former club Manchester United on October 3,skipper Lorik Cana and central defender Michael Turner have also already servedsuspensions.[LNB]Bruce could have done without further disruption as he attempts to bounce backfrom successive away defeats at Wigan and Fulham, his side's fifth and sixth ineight attempts so far this season. [LNB]The Black Cats slipped to 10th place in the Barclays Premier League table as aresult, and will hope to return to winning ways as Pompey and Aston Villa visitWearside in quick succession. [LNB] Spurs second in the league as Peter Crouch's missus Abbey Clancy misses out to queen of the WAGs GRAHAM POLL: Why I was left with more questions than answers after the video trial at Manchester City's win over Chelsea Fulham 1 Sunderland 0: Bobby Zamora for England? Hodgson's not joking [LNB] Explore more:People:Lorik Cana, Steve Bruce, Lee Cattermole, Craig Gordon, Michael Turner
