Mensah doubtful for Spurs clash

Mensah has been classy for Sunderland

Sunderland Steve Bruce has revealed Ghana defender John Mensah is '50-50' for the home clash with Tottenham on Saturday in the English top flight.

 
The Ghanaian international is struggling with a hamstring problem sustained during the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa and missed the defeat at Liverpool last weekend.

 
This injury keeps coming up as it has been revealed that some of the tendons in his spine have left Mensah to constantly manage the injury.

 
He is due to have an operation on the back problem after the World Cup in South Africa in June. 

Bruce admits the latest blow is a "crying shame" for Mensah, who had strung together five consecutive appearances before breaking down at Villa Park.

He added: We're a better team with John in there. That's meant with no disrespect to the other lads; he's just a quality defender who gives us confidence.

"We hope he can finish the season by getting another few games under his belt before he goes away to the World Cup."