Darren Bent

By The Black Cats
November 27 2009

Darren Bent has returned to training after his injury scare and could be in contention for a place when the Black Cats travel to the DW Stadium tomorrow to take on Wigan Athletic who will be lacking in confidence after a 9-1 mauling last weekend.

Sunderland boss has revealed that Darren Bent's injury is not as serious as he had first thought.

It was thought that Bent had torn his hamstring and required scans... However those scans have come back better than expected and Bent could be in contention to play against Wigan on Saturday.

Steve Bruce said: "Darren's scan showed that there was no tear in his hamstring, so it looks like it has been more like cramp or muscle tightness. - not surprising when you consider his work rate and the amount of ground he covers.

"He's done a lot of work in the gym and he's been out on the training ground this morning and if he comes through that ok, with no adverse reaction, he's in with a chance."

Bent picked up the injury during Sunderland's 1-0 victory over Arsenal last week, a game in which he scored the winning goal.

Bruce admitted he was worried, as were all us fans, to see his top scorer limping off the pitch and had his fingers crossed for good news following Bent's scans.

"It's delightful news, at the beginning of the week we thought he was out for three weeks and now to see him out on the training ground is tremendous. It's a huge lift for everyone as he's been great for us so far this season so it's a great bonus!"

Bruce concluded: "He's in with an outstanding chance of featuring on Saturday and of course I'd love to have him available."