Ghana defender John Mensah could be rushed back from injury this weekend with Sunderland left short in defence due to injuries.

The Black Cats have confirmed that first-choice central defensive pairing Titus Bramble and Michael Turner are both set for prolonged spells on the sidelines after picking up knocks.

But with a trip to Wolves coming up on Saturday, Steve Bruce is prepared to gamble Mensah's fitness as he looks to address the defensive dilemma.

He says he may throw Mensah into action at Molineux, even though the Ghanaian has only recently recovered from a dislocated shoulder.

Bruce said: "It would be a big gamble. It's a gamble, but with his ability, if he [Mensah] can do it, I am prepared to make that gamble - if he can do it.

"He trained today with it - in pain, I have to say - but he wants to try to give it a go, so a lot will depend on him.

"It's typical of him, he comes in and wants to train, which is probably three weeks quicker than he should be.

"But he wants to give it a go, so let's hope the specialists are right. They don't think by him training on it he can do any more damage, that's the most important thing.

"But it is sore, as you can imagine. John trained this morning and came through it and if he comes through tomorrow, then it will be his call."