Nicklas Bendtner

New Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is set to be without striker Nicklas Bendtner for the important match between Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of light.

On loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is regarded to be one of the few players capable of putting the ball in the back of the net, but his injury will mean that Martin O'Neill will have to replace him with lesser players. It is a situation that will certainly confront the former Aston Villa manager, as this match is no less than the a six pointer. Blackburn Rovers will be coming to the Stadium of light with great confidence after having won their recent match 4-2.

Sunderland, on the other hand, lost their match against Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in the most unlikeliest of manners. Sunderland not only lost the ability to take a two-goal advantage in the match to Sebastian Larsson penalty, but they also failed to stop Wolverhampton Wanderers from scoring at the other end. It was a double whammy for new manager Martin O'Neill, who was watching from the stands. Hence, he would have been hoping for a full strength squad for the match against Blackburn Rovers, but it has been revealed today that Nicklas Bendtner is unlikely to be fit in time for the match.

“Nicklas has a groin problem and we’ll see how he is towards the weekend. But if the game was tomorrow, he wouldn’t make it as it stands,” said O’Neill. Sunderland will also be without Connor Wickham and Fraizer Campbell. Martin O'Neill will also be without important defender Michael Turner. Hence, it is not only the attacking options that will pose a problem for Martin O'Neill, but also the defensive side of things as well. Sunderland are just a few points away from Blackburn Rovers.