Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Whitehead out of Cats clash

11 Sep 2008 - 12:10:17

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Sunderland captain Dean Whitehead has been ruled out of Saturday's trip to Wigan Athletic with a hip injury.

Whitehead, who missed the Black Cats' last game before the international break against Manchester City, has returned to training but will not be risked at the JJB Stadium.

The 26-year-old had recovered from cruciate knee ligament damage last season to begin the new campaign as a first-choice central midfielder once again.

"Deano is struggling," manager Roy Keane told the club's official website.

"We're hoping he might return today (Thursday), but it's probably too late. He's doubtful for the game."

Elsewhere, Anton Ferdinand is in line to make his debut following his arrival from West Ham United, while Teemu Tainio and Dwight Yorke will feature against the Latics after recovering from hamstring strains.