Malbranque back in the North-East

SUNDERLAND have confirmed that midfielder Steed Malbranque was released from hospital after being given the all-clear on Tuesday night. Malbranque picked up a chest problem in the first half of the Premier League contest at Fratton Park and was sent for precautionary tests. But the Belgium-born former France Under-21 international was later cleared to fly back to the N-East with his team-mates. A statement 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." The statement continued: "But the 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."