Ferdinand ruled out for at least a month

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was dealt a fresh blow today when it was confirmed that defender Anton Ferdinand could be sidelined for at least a month.

The 24-year-old was hurt in a challenge by striker Erik Nevland in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Fulham and is facing a spell in the treatment room.

Bruce told the Sunderland Echo: “It’s a nasty one for Anton.

“Nevland’s body weight came down on the ankle when they went to ground and he’s no chance of being ready for the weekend.

“He’s got no chance for Saturday and it looks like it could be a month at least for him.

“It’s disappointing for him and disappointing for me.”

Ferdinand’s misfortune ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Portsmouth comes with George McCartney struggling with a hamstring problem, John Mensah out with a calf injury and Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley both suspended.