Headache for Bruce with seven missing

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce faces major selection problems for the Boxing Day trip to Manchester United with seven senior men missing.

Skipper Lee Cattermole is suspended after reaching five bookings for the season, while striker Danny Welbeck is ineligible under the terms of his loan agreement with United.

Central defender John Mensah is likely to be out for three weeks with the ankle injury he suffered during last weekend's 1-0 win over Bolton, and he joins Titus Bramble and Michael Turner (both knee) on the sidelines.

In addition, David Meyler suffered a knock on his return from a long-term knee injury at Fulham, while Fraizer Campbell (also knee) continues to work his way back to full fitness.

Team (from): Gordon, Mignolet, Onuoha, Bardsley, Richardson, Angeleri, Da Silva, Riveros, Henderson, Malbranque, Elmohamady, Zenden, Bent, Gyan, Meyler, Adams.