Injury blow for Bendtner

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed striker Nicklas Bendtner's facial injuries are worse than was first thought.

The Denmark international suffered a broken nose when he was caught in the face by Swansea defender Angel Rangel's boot during Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League victory over the Welsh side.

However, O'Neill has revealed that the damage is more extensive and as a result, Bendtner is likely to miss several games, starting with Sunday's FA Cup fourth round clash with neighbours Middlesbrough, telling the Sunderland Echo: "He's got a bit more than a broken nose."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2012, All Rights Reserved.