Sunderland manager Regis Le Brisplaceholder image
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris | Getty Images
Newcastle United and Sunderland face off in a highly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby this weekend.
Regis Le Bris has revealed Sunderland quartet Enzo Le Fee, Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard and Robin Roefs will face late fitness tests before the Tyne-Wear derby.
And in a further injury update, the Frenchman ruled out Jocelin Ta Bi, Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore and Romaine Mundle. Newcastle United face an injury-hit Black Cats as they aim to avenge December’s defeat at the Stadium of Light.
The Magpies are also depleted, with Bruno Guimaraes sidelined since last month and Sandro Tonali hobbling off against Barcelona. Long-term casualties for Eddie Howe include Lewis Miley (thigh), Fabian Schar (ankle) and Emil Krafth (knee).
Regis Le Bris gives Sunderland injury update
Speaking ahead of the derby, Sunderland boss Le Bris outlined a worrying injury list for the visitors. He said: “We have a late assessment for them (Le Fee, Mukiele, Ballard and Roefs).
“We know already that Jocelin (Ta Bi), Nilson (Angulo), Bertrand (Traore) and Romaine (Mundle) will be sidelined. For the others, we have a late assessment because they are working hard behind the scenes to get ready for this fixture, it is really important for us.
“But it might be a pure medical decision, we don’t want to take unnecessary risks because we still have seven games after this one. We also have the international break to manage the last part of their rehab if necessary.”
Le Bris went on to confirm that Reinildo Mandava will be available for the St James’ Park clash. The four facing late tests - including Ballard who limped off last weekend against Brighton - are keen to play and could all be involved on Sunday.
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At his press conference, Howe hinted at Guimaraes, Miley and Schar returning after the international break. On a positive note, the Toon boss shared a promising update on Tonali after his setback in midweek.
"We'll wait and see,” Howe said. “Hopefully, it is not as bad as I first feared when I saw him limping off the pitch. We will see how he is today (Friday) and make a decision closer to the game."
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