Kenwyne Jones hoping for a quick route back
Mar 18 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
KENWYNE Jones could make a shock appearance against Birmingham City this weekend – just days after the striker was ruled out of action for up to a month.
Jones was taken off at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City with Steve Bruce suggesting that the Trinidad and Tobago international would not play again for at least a month because of a groin strain.
Those fears, though, were unsubstantiated and Bruce is now hopeful the target man, who has been a far more consistent and prominent threat since the close of the January transfer window, will be back in a matter of days rather than weeks.
He said: “Kenwyne’s had a scan and, thankfully, the damage isn’t as bad as we first feared. It’s too early to say whether he will make Saturday’s game, but we will keep an eye on him, give him all the treatment we can and keep our fingers crossed.”
Bruce may well decide it is too big a risk to play Jones this weekend with so many games left to play this season, which will mean a first start for Benjani or the return of Fraizer Campbell to a central role.
Sunderland’s manager has been buoyed by the return of Jordan Henderson from an ankle injury this week and, having seen a steady flow of injuries and suspensions wreck the middle part of his first season in charge at the Stadium of Light, he will be cautious with Jones.
Although the manager and striker have not always had an easy relationship, Jones remains a focal point of Sunderland attacks and his energetic performances have delighted Bruce.
The Black Cats boss is also well aware of Darren Bent’s positive attitude towards Jones and the excellent partnership they have forged. Bent has scored 19 goals this term, with Jones taking his tally for the season to eight with his first-half header against Manchester City last weekend.
