Bent could be fit

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce says England international Darren Bent has a chance of being fit for the club’s clash against Blackburn on Monday.

The 26-year-old was forced out of England’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro in midweek with a groin injury.

The injury was expected to keep him on the sidelines for Sunderland’s next match, although Bruce thinks he has a chance with the game being next week.

Bent has undergone a scan on the knock and as it is not too serious Bruce could gamble on his fitness depending on how he responds to treatment.
Not too serious

“Darren’s had a scan and his injury is not too serious. You’re always concerned if a player picks up a groin injury,” he told the club’s official website.

“If the game against Blackburn was this Saturday I’d say he had no chance of playing, but given that it’s Monday he’s got half a chance of being fit for it.

“We’ll keep monitoring the situation and we’ll see how he is come Monday.”