Anton Ferdinand injury

[chrisgeorge.is]

ANTON FERDINAND is a notable absentee from the Sunderland starting line-up that faces Tottenham at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

Ferdinand suffered an injury in training yesterday morning and that has opened the door for Tal Ben-Haim to operate in his preferred central defensive role.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/418...for_Sunderland/

[chrisgeorge.is]

Sbragia is likely to leave his team selection until late because Anton Ferdinand could be available.

Ferdinand missed last weekend's 1-1 draw with Tottenham because of a hamstring injury, but he has resumed light training - and could return to full training tomorrow.

Sbragia said: "Anton has been running for the past couple of days and we're pleased with how he is coming on. He might be involved in full training tomorrow, we'll have to see."

If the former West Ham man is fit, Sbragia will have six defenders - Ferdinand, Davenport, Tal Ben-Haim, Danny Collins, Phil Bardsley and George McCartney - battling to get into the side for the crucial game.

http://www.safc.com/news/sbragia-ponders-d...ve-options.html

[chrisgeorge.is]

Anton Ferdinand expects to be fit for Sunderland's trip to Manchester City on Sunday and is confident he will thrive on the pressure that comes with a relegation battle.

The defender has missed two games after suffering a hamstring injury in training but he has made good progress over the past few days.

He is back in contention and could replace Tal Ben-Haim at Eastlands, with the Israeli ineligible under the terms of his loan move from Man City.

Ferdinand said: "The injury is a lot better. I will test it in training and see if I am ready for the game.

"I felt it in training the day before the Tottenham game. I stretched to block a shot and it happened. Luckily it wasn't bad and I should be back soon."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5067869,00.html