Colback recalled by Black Cats

Sunderland have recalled midfielder Jack Colback from his loan spell at Ipswich as manager Steve Bruce faces a fresh injury crisis.

The 21-year-old was due to remain with the npower Championship club until later this month, but could go straight into the Black Cats’ squad for Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash with Notts County.

He has returned to Wearside as his parent club await news of the injuries David Meyler and Danny Welbeck picked up during the 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory at Aston Villa last night.

Both were undergoing scans today after Meyler suffered a suspected recurrence of the cruciate ligament injury which sidelined him for seven months last year, while Welbeck tore a hamstring.

To make matters worse, Bolo Zenden was sent off and will serve a one-match ban at the weekend, while skipper Lee Cattermole is a week into a month-long lay-off with a back problem.