news: Injury Woes

Sunderland injury woes continue... 9million pound star 'keeper Craig gordon is expected to be out for up to 3 months after a poor challenge from Jermain Defoe left him with a fractured arm in Sunderland's visit to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham Hotspur.

The latest, in a string of injuries, to Gordon has meant he will join teammates John Mensah, Jean Yves Mvoto and the impressive Lee Cattermole on the treatment table.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has said that he still does not know who will start this weekend against Arsenal - A choice of Marton Fulop, who started the season as the number one keeper, or young international Trevor Carson who impressed in preseason.

In an njury update, Bruce said: "Craig's injury is the most disappointing thing to come out of the last couple of weeks.

"It looks as if it's going to be three months.  We've not had much luck in that respect - that's two serious injuries (Lee Cattermole) in a month.

"It's not great, that's for sure, but we'll have to cope without him as best we can."

The Sunderland chief says he has "a difficult choice to make" with both Marton Fulop and Trevor Carson vying for the number one jersey.

Fulop took the gloves when Gordon went off at White Hart Lane while Carson - the recent recipient of a new contract - has impressed in training.

While the big Hungarian would appear favourite to step in, Bruce insists the call isn't a foregone conclusion, adding:

"Marton's been there and done it before, but Trevor has a chance to stake his claim, too.

"I was impressed with the way he handled himself in pre-season, so it's not a foregone conclusion that I'm going to pick Marton.

"Trevor has a chance to come in too."

Sunderland Captain Lorik Cana will return from suspension but Kenwyne Jones is still suspended.

Arsenal will be without injured striker Robin Van Persie.