Henderson has played in all of Sunderland's league games this season

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce says he will look to "protect" midfielder Jordan Henderson.

The 20-year-old has played in all but one of the Black Cats' 17 games this season and made his England debut in the 2-1 defeat by France in November.

"Jordan has had a wonderful 18 months but it has caught up with him," Bruce told BBC Newcastle.

"He's a fantastic talent. We will protect him and when it's right we will give him a rest."

Bruce should have defender John Mensah available for Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham, despite the Ghana international having to be substituted in the 3-2 defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers after aggravating a shoulder injury.

"He got a knee to his shoulder in a goalmouth scramble, and he was sore for 24-48 hours," said the former Birmingham and Wigan boss.

"He's OK in training and physically he's OK, but we'll see how he is towards the end of the week.

"Certainly towards the end of the week we hope the better it will become for him."

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