Bendtner faces extra time in casualty room

Sunderland have been dealt a blow with Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner needing further treatment on his facial injuries.

The on-loan Bendtner was accidentally caught in the face by the boot of Swansea’s Spanish right-back Angel Rangel during the 2-0 win on Saturday, and results have revealed that the forward has sustained a fractured nose.

There had been fears at first that the Arsenal-owned striker could have damaged an eye and other parts of his face, however that has now been ruled out, although he does seem set for a short period on the sidelines.

The head of Sunderland’s medical department, Dr Glen Rae, told the Sunderland website: “The results of the scans have been received and Nicklas will now undergo further treatment.”

“Sunderland Royal Hospital provided a first-class response and I would like to thank them for their assistance.”

Bendtner will almost certainly miss the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Middlesbrough on Sunday, while he will also remain a major doubt for the following Premier League matches against Norwich City and Stoke City.