Both Régis Le Bris and Eddie Howe head into Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby with some major injury concerns.
Though Sunderland’s injury list is longer, the hosts also fae the absence of some key players and suffered a significant setback over the course of their defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Both bosses will issue an update when they host their pre-match press conferences on Friday, but here is the early news from both camps as we have it...
Has been absent since February with a hamstring injury and will miss this game. Expected back after the international break that follows.
1. Bruno Guimaraes - out
Has been absent since February with a hamstring injury and will miss this game. Expected back after the international break that follows. | Getty Images
Miley suffered a dead leg and then muscle damage late in January and has not featured since. Is close to a return but like Bruno, expected to miss this one and return after the international break.
2. Lewis Miley - out
Miley suffered a dead leg and then muscle damage late in January and has not featured since. Is close to a return but like Bruno, expected to miss this one and return after the international break. | Getty Images
Forced off early in the second half of the defeat to Barcelona with a hip/groin issue. A major doubt for Sunday's game.
3. Sandro Tonali - major doubt
Forced off early in the second half of the defeat to Barcelona with a hip/groin issue. A major doubt for Sunday's game. | Getty Images
The left bak has been building towards full fitness over the last fortnight and having resumed full training over the weekend, he's expected to be back for this weekend. Brilliant in the reverse fixture, his retun would be a huge boost to Sunderland's hopes.
4. Reinildo - available
The left bak has been building towards full fitness over the last fortnight and having resumed full training over the weekend, he's expected to be back for this weekend. Brilliant in the reverse fixture, his retun would be a huge boost to Sunderland's hopes. | George Wood/Getty Images