15 Aug 2013 http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wes-brown-miss-fulham-game-5730969 Wes Brown will not be risked in Sunderland’s season opener against Fulham, insists Paolo Di Canio. After more than 18 months on the sidelines with a knee injury, the return to fitness of the ex-Manchester United defender has been a major plus for the Black Cats this summer. But the 33-year-old missed Sunderland’s final friendly against Danish side FC Midtjylland last week after suffering a minor reaction, no doubt caused by his return to action after so long out. Brown is just days away from rejoining full training, but – with four fully-fit centre-backs to choose from against Fulham in the shape of John O’Shea, Carlos Cuellar, Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite – head coach Di Canio has no intention of rushing Brown back early. “Wes has improved over the last few days,” he said. “Another few days and he can start joining in with the rest of the team in training. “But for this game, we will not risk him. “We have four central defenders to choose from, and he [Brown] will be important during the season so we must not take any chances.” Brown’s long-term injury looked to have spelled the end of his time at Sunderland, but he remained determined to get fit again and refused the offer of a pay-off to terminate his contract two years early. And he has forced his way into Di Canio’s plans after impressing the Italian in pre-season with both his ability and attitude. Di Canio said: “Initially, Wes wasn’t in my plans. “But he came with us to Italy for the training camp and I decided to speak to him because I was very happy with the way he trained, and of course he is a very good professional and also a good footballer. “I told him ‘I need you’, although I couldn’t say how many games he would play. “Until he suffered the reaction, he had played in every pre-season game and did very well.” Summer signing Diakite has had only minimal pre-season action due to a hamstring problem, but Di Canio expects the Frenchman to be in contention for a place on the bench this weekend. “He is getting fitter, although he is a bit behind the others because of his injury situation,” said Di Canio. “He has trained with the team, although when we work at high intensity he does not recover as quickly as the rest of the players. “But he is available and could come onto the bench.” Di Canio also confirmed that out-of-favour full-back Phil Bardsley has broken a bone in his foot, after hobbling out of Sunderland U21s’ game against Bolton Wanderers at the Academy of Light on Monday. Bardsley was expected to leave Wearside this month – with Fulham the most likely destination – but the injury will almost certainly scupper his chances of a move during the current transfer window. **** knows mate. We must be due an update.
