Sunderland have lost Kieron Richardson for “two to three weeks” to a hamstring injury according to Roy Keane [source].

Richardson was absent from the team sheet yesterday having sparkled with a brace against Portsmouth last weekend from a new central midfield position. However he picked up an injury in training and was unable to take up the same role against Spurs.

The midfielder has missed the majority of the season with a serious back injury but his goals against Portsmouth hinted at the form he was capable of and alerted fantasy managers to his potential as a mid-price option.

His absence is a bitter blow to Keane who has already lost Ross Wallace for the season with another training ground injury. It now looks as though Murphy , who started in Richardson’s position yesterday, will have the opportunity for further starts until Richardson’s return against Wigan on February 9 or perhaps more realistically, Portsmouth on February 23.