Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland ordered in for extra practice match as Steve Bruce looks to rebuild confidence
Sunderland may have another free weekend, thanks to their embarrassing FA Cup exit, but manager Steve Bruce will put his entire squad through a practice match today.[LNB]Captain Lee Cattermole, strikers Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell and Nedum Onuoha and Bolo Zenden will all play in the behind-closed-doors game. Bruce hopes to have all five available for Liverpool's visit to the Stadium of Light next weekend.[LNB] On the up: Sunderland finally ended their terrible run of form with a hard-earned point at Arsenal[LNB]Welbeck played as a substitute at Arsenal last week and with Campbell in a midweek reserves run-out. The biggest boost for Bruce will be the return of Cattermole who had feared his season was over with a back problem.[LNB]Bruce said: 'Thankfully, he's flying and happy with his back. He got a knee in the back and was diagnosed with severe bone bruising when it wouldn't get any better. [LNB]Steady progress: Craig Gordon continues to rest his knee with his manager hopeful to avoid an operation[LNB]'It was so fragile that it could have turned into a stress fracture, which was the last thing we wanted. [LNB]'When you look at us when he's in the team, he's got an infectious enthusiasm about him, which rubs off on a few others. You need people who can dig a bit, especially away from home.'[LNB]Keeper Craig Gordon continues to rest his knee and Bruce hopes the Scotland No 1 will be able to avoid an operation.[LNB]The Sunderland boss added: 'Because it's a tendon, an operation there could see him out for up to six months, if it's severe. So we're hoping a month of a special exercise regime can take away this inflammation or whatever he's got, because it's not great.'[LNB] 'Young at heart' veteran Zenden ponders Bruce plea to extend staySunderland keen to retain Zenden but Dutchman is keeping his options openCattermole nearing Sunderland return after recovering from back injuryAll the latest Sunderland news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Steve Bruce, Craig Gordon, Danny Welbeck, Lee Cattermole Places: Liverpool
