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Sunderland manager Steve Bruce plays down fitness fears over star striker Darren Bent
Fellow forward Jones 'will be fine' despite twisting knee in friendly
| Bet: | Returns: | Sunderland £34.00 | Draw £33.00 | Arsenal £21.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Sunderland £35.00 | Draw £34.00 | Arsenal £20.50 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Sunderland £34.00 | Draw £33.00 | Arsenal £21.50 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Sunderland £35.00 | Draw £34.00 | Arsenal £21.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Sunderland £36.50 | Draw £34.00 | Arsenal £21.60 |
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29 Jul 2010 12:36:00
By Ben Sibley
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has denied claims that Darren Bent is struggling for fitness ahead of the new season.
After missing Sunderland’s final game of their pre-season tour of Portugal against Benfica on Wednesday, rumours surfaced regarding the 26-year-old’s long-term fitness.
Given Bent’s impressive first season at the Stadium of Light, finishing with 24 goals in 38 Premier League games, an injury to the club’s record signing would present Sunderland with a big problem.
However, Bruce has moved to assure Sunderland fans that the striker’s absence from the tour match was a precaution and he will be ready for the club’s opening Premier League fixture against Birmingham City on August 14.
"Darren's fine, but he's got a couple of minor niggles and it wasn't worth risking him," Bruce said in The Sunderland Echo.
Bruce also managed to find a positive from Bent’s absence, claiming it allowed him to assess a different tactical approach.
"The situation did at least allow us to experiment with a 4-5-1 formation and explore that.
"It was a good game and it has been a good trip."
Bruce also played down fears over the fitness of Kenwyne Jones after he was substituted before half-time against the Portugese champions.
"He's twisted his knee a little, but he'll be fine."
After missing Sunderland’s final game of their pre-season tour of Portugal against Benfica on Wednesday, rumours surfaced regarding the 26-year-old’s long-term fitness.
Given Bent’s impressive first season at the Stadium of Light, finishing with 24 goals in 38 Premier League games, an injury to the club’s record signing would present Sunderland with a big problem.
However, Bruce has moved to assure Sunderland fans that the striker’s absence from the tour match was a precaution and he will be ready for the club’s opening Premier League fixture against Birmingham City on August 14.
"Darren's fine, but he's got a couple of minor niggles and it wasn't worth risking him," Bruce said in The Sunderland Echo.
Bruce also managed to find a positive from Bent’s absence, claiming it allowed him to assess a different tactical approach.
"The situation did at least allow us to experiment with a 4-5-1 formation and explore that.
"It was a good game and it has been a good trip."
Bruce also played down fears over the fitness of Kenwyne Jones after he was substituted before half-time against the Portugese champions.
"He's twisted his knee a little, but he'll be fine."
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14:11 GMT
Wayne Veysey reports from Craven Cottage: “Welcome from a gloriously sunlit Craven Cottage, where conditions are like an alpine ski resort - bright and chilly in equal measure. We still await official team news, although I'm told that Matthew Upson has won the battle of the centre-backs ahead of Jonathan Woodgate and will partner Ryan Shawcross in the absence of the suspended Robert Huth. Up front, we are expecting a strike force aggregating a combined 13ft, with Kenwyne Jones set to partner Peter Crouch.”
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15:00
Blackburn v QPR
Bolton v Wigan
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v Stoke
Sunderland v Arsenal
Swansea v Norwich
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