Who in for Bridge?

News that left-back Wayne Bridge will be out for between three and six weeks with medial ligament damage means that the defence will have to be rejigged just as it was looking like settling down. After starting the season impressively the back four had began to look out of sorts, but barring the odd moment they'd appeared more solid over the last three games, and all four players should take encouragement from their performances.

Bridge is still a player who understandably splits opinion. A couple of obviously below par games aside, though, i think we've seen a much improved player this season, and that was always likely to be the case as he shook of ring-rustiness after being in and out of the side at his former club. For the most part i think he's improved in both halves; more eager to get forward and put his mark on games, and generally better defensively, though goals like those against Burnley indicate it's very much a work in progress.

Luckily, however, we have a very strong squad meaning several options by way of a replacement. The most natural candidate for the role would be Sylvinho, who looked very comfortable in his only start of the season so far, admittedly during a relatively easy victory against Championship side Scunthorpe. The Brazilian's pedigree can't be doubted, but one game since Barca's mauling of our near-neighbours in Rome seven months ago means his fitness perhaps can.

I've no qualms with him coming in, but i'm sure i'm not the only Blue with one eye on the upcoming trip to Spurs. That could cause Hughes a possible conundrum. Do we go to White Hart Lane with Sylvinho, and ahead of him Robinho, and hope in-form England winger Aaron Lennon doesn't rip us a new one, or do we tinker with a winning team further and play what on paper at least might appear a more solid complete backline?

Assuming Javier Garrido is unlikely to get the nod, our options would appear to be either we shift one of our central midfielders to left-back (Barry), move Joleon Lescott across, or even stick someone in unfamiliar with the left-sided role, namely Nedum Onuoha or Vince Kompany. Whoever comes in to the side for the forthcoming games will be new to the job, here at least.

Gareth Barry has some experience in the role, and did okay when moved back after Bridge's injury on Saturday. Saying that, he was skinned during the move which led to the opening goal and the adjustment would mean rearranging a midfield that coped admirably with arguably the best in the country. On the other hand it would mean we could bring Stevie Ireland back and pose more of a threat going forwards.

Joleon Lescott has, in my opinion, been showing his truer form in recent weeks. He's had three or four good games on the bounce, none more so than against Chelsea where he was as good as any player on the park. I've always believed he's at least as competent at left-back as centre-half, and against players such as Lennon i'd fancy him more than any current alternatives on the books, but would it be worth risking unsettling him just as he's bedding down?

The last and probably least likely option would be to bring in Vince or Ned, the latter of whom as also already played in the role occasionally for the club at various levels. Neither have ever let the club down and are as reliable as we've got. Both right-footed, though, you do wonder whether they'd be best for the part, though i'm sure we'd all like to see both getting a bit more football.

It will be interesting to see who comes in and how they do, and also how the decision effects the manager's choice of winger. Whoever gets the nod will be learning on the job. Should he get over his bout of swine flu, a knee injury and certain fatigue from running his knackers off for weeks and weeks i'd imagine Craig Bellamy will return in place of Robinho, and with his help, plus that of Gareth Barry should he not be the man to take over the role i'm sure we'll be alright.