Steve Bruce confirmed this morning that he could be without up to six senior players for this weekend's game with West Ham.

Fraizer Campbell is a doubt after picking up a knock against Aston Villa, Phil Bardsley is struggling with a shoulder problem and George McCartney is troubled by a hip injury.

Both Campbell and McCartney were substituted during the midweek defeat to Aston Villa in the Carling Cup and are rated as 50/50 for the game.

Meanwhile Bruce confirmed that Bolo Zenden and John Mensah are definitely out. The pair will join knee injury victim Lee Cattermole on the sidelines.

As previously reported, there was better news regarding Darren Bent - the striker is back in training but is not certain to start.

The rash of injuries have stretched Bruce's squad to the limit, and youngsters Adam Reed and David Meyler were both on the bench for the Villa game.

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