Source: Northern_Echo
Campbell could return for West Brom clash
SUNDERLAND hope Fraizer Campbell will be given the all-clear when he visits a specialist today after twisting his knee in training last week.[LNB] After spending seven months on the sidelines recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, Campbell was set for a return against Manchester City last Sunday, only to twist his knee on the eve of the game.[LNB] It was feared the 23-year-old had aggravated the injury he had suffered against Roberto Mancini's side back in August, but initial scans revealed the damage is not as bad as first feared.[LNB] Campbell today visits Yorkshire-based surgeon Steve Bollen, who operated on the injury last year, to make sure no serious damage has been done.[LNB] If given the all-clear, the striker could feature in tomorrow's clash with West Bromich Albion at the Stadium of Light.[LNB] It will be a huge boost for the Black Cats if Campbell gets the go-ahead and boss Steve Bruce has admitted that, should the striker return with good news, he will be in contention.[LNB] "Of course, it was a worry when Fraizer twisted the knee on Saturday, but thankfully the scan he has had shows that the knee is still structurally intact," the Black Cats boss said.[LNB] "Fraizer will now see the surgeon who operated on him and hopefully he will confirm that there has been no damage done.[LNB] "If so, Fraizer will come into my thinking on Saturday."[LNB] Campbell's return would give Bruce a massive lift with the boss under some pressure from fans as he looks to put an end to his side's seven-match winless run.[LNB] That wretched run of form has seen the Black Cats slip down to 12th in the Premier League table, jeopardising hopes of the top-ten finish.[LNB] Captain Lee Cattermole revealed yesterday the squad has held clear-the-air talks as they look to record their first win since January 22 against Roy Hodgson's in-form Baggies.[LNB] As well as Campbell, Bruce is hoping to welcome back Kieran Richardson from a hamstring injury, while right-back Nedum Onuoha will return to the side after being unavailable for the defeat to his parent club.[LNB] Defender Phil Bardsley should also be okay despite coming off at half-time at Eastlands with a lingering knee injury, but Titus Bramble is definitely out after it was confirmed the centre-back will miss the rest of the season with a cartilage trouble.[LNB]
