Sunderland will definitely be without Bertrand Traore, Romaine Mundle, Nilson Angulo and Jocelin Ta Bi for Sunday's game, but have a number of other major doubts for the second derby of the campaign.
Dan Ballard was forced off injured against Brighton last week and Nordi Mukiele has missed Sunderland's last three Premier League games with a calf problem. Robin Roefs has been out of action since the draw with Bournemouth last month and Enzo Le Fee was absent for last weekend’s defeat.
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Le Bris says those injured players have "pushed to the maximum" to be ready for Sunday's game, but the head coach won't make a final decision until Saturday, and will make his judgement with the rest of the season in mind, not just this weekend's fixture.
Reinildo is available to return to the side at St James' Park having trained all week, while Wilson Isidor has also shaken off the problem that meant he couldn't be used from the bench against Brighton.
But the head coach will leave it as long as possible before making a final call on those who are doubts.
"We have a late assessment for them," said Le Bris.
"We know already that Jocelin, Nilson, Bertrand and Romaine will be sidelined for this game.
"For the others, we have a late assessment because they are working hard behind the scenes, getting ready for this fixture.
"It's really important for us. It might be a pure medical decision. We won't take unnecessary risks.
"We still have seven games after this one and an international break to manage the last part of the rehab, if necessary."
Le Bris continued: "I had this conversation with Nordi 10 minutes ago, before the press conference.
"Nordi and the others pushed at the maximum to be ready for this fixture. After that, we can't make an emotional decision. It has to be a rational decision, purely medical.
"If he plays 20 minutes, for example, and gets an injury at the end of the game, he will miss maybe eight or nine weeks after that, which is a shame.
"I like their behaviour, because they want to be involved. They understand how important this game is, the necessity to be connected for the squad.
"Not only for the derby, but for the end of the season. It's always a good sign when the players injured are committed. It's a sign. Are you in holidays or not? It's not the case.
"They want to play, they want to be connected to the squad. After that, you have to make a decision."
Isidor, who this week switched international allegiance to Haiti, was an unused substitute against Brighton having picked up a minor problem before the game.
But Le Bris said: "His knee reacted after the session. He wasn't available, even if he was on the bench. But the week went well."