Mignolet's injury misery

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has admitted he has been forced to take a complete break from football.

Sunderland goalkeeper unable to train after nose and eye fracture

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has admitted he has been forced to take a complete break from football. The Belgian shot-stopper is facing around two months on the sidelines after suffering a severe fracture of his nose and eye socket in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at the end of October. Mignolet sustained the injuries after a collision with Villa striker Emile Heskey at the Stadium of Light, an incident for which he does not blame the former England international. But the former St Truiden player is currently unable to maintain his fitness levels as he is still troubled by the after-effects of the clash. Mignolet said: "I can't do anything. I can't keep up my fitness and it is frustrating. "I can't even ride a bike, as I get headaches and nosebleeds. "I did not take offence at Heskey but goalkeepers need protecting."