Bent in line for Black Cats return

By Brian Lofrumento | 29th October 2009

Bent in line for Black Cats return | read this item

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Darren Bent has given Steve Bruce and Sunderland a boost as he is in line to make a return from injury against West Ham United on Saturday. Bent injured his knee against Birmingham last weekend and was forced to miss out on Sunderland’s Carling Cup clash with Premiership rivals Aston Villa midweek.

“He should be alright for the weekend,” Bruce told the Sunderland Echo.

“We didn’t take any risks with him during the week and it’s mainly been rest and recuperation for him because he jarred his knee badly in the game.

“But he’s responded well and I expect him to be available for what is an important game to us.”

Sunderland will be looking to pick up a win against West Ham, who find themselves in serious trouble. The Hammers are currently lying 19th in the table, above only struggling Portsmouth. Gianfranco Zola has been beginning to feel the heat in recent weeks with his calm demeanor and inexperience coming under fire.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are also missing Bolo Zenden and John Mensah, with George McCartney, Phil Bardsley, and Fraizer Campbell late injury worries.