Bramble joined Sunderland in July

Sunderland centre-backs Michael Turner and Titus Bramble will not play again this year after picking up injuries.

Turner, 27, damaged knee ligaments when colliding with a post during Monday's 2-2 draw with Everton and, according to boss Steve Bruce, is out for "months".

Bramble, who missed the Everton game after damaging meniscus cartilage in his knee during training, faces surgery and at least six weeks out.

Bruce said: "It's a huge loss. They will be a big act to follow."

The Sunderland manager formed a formidable partnership with Gary Pallister at the heart of the Manchester United defence in the 1990s and he had been looking for Turner and Bramble to replicate that.

"When I was playing, I played alongside big Pally [Pallister] and we never missed a game, playing 60 games a season," Bruce told the Sunderland website.

606: DEBATE I'm gutted as for me Titus is the one main reason we have seen consistency in defence mackemwelder

"We were fortunate, that's the bit of luck you need. We played every week and that's what we were heading to with Michael and Titus.

"We have lost a big partnership who have done very well for us.

"I hope the ones who come in can do the job they've been doing. It's a huge loss - one I hope we can overcome but it will be a big challenge."

Turner collided with the post after making a goal-line clearance against Everton but managed to complete the game.

However, Bruce revealed: "It's horrible news. Michael whacked his knee on the post. He'll see a specialist. I believe it could be months [out] rather than weeks."

Ahead of the match against Everton, Bramble had only missed one league match for Sunderland as he served a one-game suspension following his dismissal in the 5-1 defeat by Newcastle.

Until his injury, Bramble was one of the side's most consistent performers and helped the Black Cats keep six of their seven clean sheets in all competitions during the current campaign.

In his and Turner's absence, Anton Ferdinand is set for an extended run in the team with Bruce forced into a defensive reshuffle.

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