Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was “devastated” by the latest in a long list of injuries as they chase Europa League qualification.

The Black Cats lie sixth in the EPL, only two points behind freefalling Chelsea after a brace of New Year victories.

But their 1-0 win at Aston Villa this midweek, thanks to a rare goal from full-back Phil Bardsley, was marred by the cruciate knee ligament injury to Irish midfielder David Meyler.

 

The 21-year-old only recently returned to first-team contention after a similar injury last May. And Bruce said: “It’s devastating. We’re all delighted with the result but the aftermath is awful.”

After numerous injuries to defenders late last year, Sunderland added Meyler and in-form striker Danny Wellbeck to the list after the Villa game, as well as captain Lee Cattermole.

And Bruce is sure of the reasons for many of these absences. He told the BBC: “For a month I was worried by the number of fixtures we’re being asked to play.”

Sunderland had five games in 13 days over the festive period, and Bruce added: “For me that’s the reason” before risking a play on words with: “We’re hamstrung by injuries.”

And with bitter North-East rivals Newcastle visiting next weekend (and a 5-1 St James’s Park humiliation to avenge), he added: “I hope we can get a few back quickly.”

Sunderland host Notts County in the FA Cup this Saturday and have recalled midfielder Jack Colback from a loan spell at Championship club Ipswich for the tie.