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Bent to miss France friendly

ESPN staff
November 9, 2010
Darren Bent also missed England's game against Montenegro © Getty Images
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Sunderland striker Darren Bent has been ruled out of England's friendly against France next week with a hamstring injury.

Tests confirmed the striker, who missed Sunderland's victory over Stoke on Saturday, had suffered a grade one hamstring injury and is expected to be out of action for up to three weeks.

Bent scored his first England goal in the 3-1 win over Switzerland on September 7, but missed the goalless draw with Montenegro at Wembley last month with a groin injury.

The news will come as a blow to Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, who has relied on Bent for goals this season. In Bent's absence, record signing Asamoah Gyan, the only other player to have scored for the Black Cats, justified his transfer fee with two goals to sink the Potters.

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