Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is facing yet another injury crisis with four midfielders doubtful for the crucial Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton.

Kieran Richardson, who has started the last two games after recovering from a calf injury, has damaged his other calf muscle, while Lee Cattermole is struggling with a hamstring-related problem.

Andy Reid (hamstring) and Jordan Henderson (ankle) are close to returning from lengthy lay-offs, but the game could come too soon, while David Meyler completes his three-match ban.

However, Steed Malbranque will be involved after returning to the squad following a breach of club discipline.

Bolton midfielder Mark Davies could make his return from an ankle problem which has kept him out of Wanderers' last three matches.

Tamir Cohen is suspended after he was sent off against West Ham on Saturday and Gary Cahill is not expected back in full training for another week as he continues his recovery following the discovery of a blood clot in his arm.

Stuart Holden (fractured fibula), Gavin McCann (ankle), Chris Basham, Joey O-Brien and Sean Davis (all knee) are also still sidelined.

Teams:

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Fulop, Bardsley, Hutton, Turner, Ferdinand, Mensah, Kilgallon, Da Silva, Cattermole, Cana, Zenden, Richardson, Malbranque, Reid, Henderson, Campbell, Bent, Jones, Benjani, Liddle, Noble.

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Knight, Robinson, Gardner, Taylor, Muamba, Lee, K Davies, Klasnic, Riga, A O'Brien, Al Habsi, Samuel, Elmander, Ricketts, Weiss, Wilshere, Shittu.