• Premier League

Gyan injury puts Bendtner in the frame for debut

ESPNsoccernet staff
September 9, 2011
Asamoah Gyan will be unable to lead the line for Sunderland © PA Photos
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Steve Bruce could hand loan signing Nicklas Bendtner his Sunderland debut against Chelsea on Saturday after fellow striker Asamoah Gyan returned injured from international duty.

Gyan, who has started all of Sunderland's Premier League games this season, damaged a hamstring with Ghana in midweek and his absence is a big blow for Bruce, whose side have scored just a single goal this term.

However, the Sunderland boss will have deadline-day signing Bendtner at his disposal, fresh from scoring a match-winning double for Denmark against Norway.

Bruce said: "He's certainly a wonderfully gifted footballer, there's no question about that. For his size and his presence and the way he is, he will be a big asset to us.

"We are delighted to have been able to bring him to the club. At that end of the pitch, we have not been able to score, so he will add to that."

Defender John O'Shea joins Gyan on the sidelines after suffering a calf strain in the Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Slovakia. Craig Gordon, Fraizer Campbell and David Meyler (all knee) are also out, while Anton Ferdinand has left the club for QPR.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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