Steve Bruce has been dealt a defensive blow in the run-up to the Arsenal game.

Manager Steve Bruce could be without John Mensah for Saturday's game against Arsenal.

The Ghanaian picked up a knock in training this morning and looks set to miss the game as a precaution.

Mensah, who captained his country at the World Cup in South Africa, made an appearance off the bench at Wigan last week.

The news means Steve Bruce could well go with the central defensive partnership of Titus Bramble and Anton Ferdinand which was formed at half time during the Manchester City game.

The pair have shipped just one goal since, Antolin Alcaraz's close-range header at the DW Stadium.

Otherwise, Bruce could call on Phil Bardsley at right back and shift on-loan City defender Nedum Onuoha into the middle.