Ahmed Elmohamady required eight stiches to treat a head wound suffered in Sunderland's Premier League draw with Newcastle, the Black Cats said. Elmo, who played 89 minutes in the dramatic 1-1 draw, went down with blood pouring from his head after just two minutes of the Tyne-Wear derby. It is the second time in the space of two weeks for Elmohamady to sustain a head injury, following the concussion he suffered against Blackburn on January 1. The Egypt wing-back should, however, be fit for next weekend's game as the Black Cats travel to face Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Meanwhile, Sunderland are on brink of losing hitman Darren Bent after he handed in a transfer request on Monday, hoping for a £18million switch to Aston Villa. The England striker should complete the move subject to passing a medical at Villa Park.
