The pre-match news is in ahead of tomorrow’s Tyne-Wear derby.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Eddie Howe revealed that Sandro Tonali still has a chance of making the match, despite his injury in midweek, while Bruno, Miley and Schar remain out.
But what’s being said on Wearside? Here’s what Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has had to say ahead of Sunday’s 12pm kick-off, issuing updates on NINE Black Cats.
Sunderland have confirmed that Dan Ballard, Robin Roefs, Enzo Le Fée, and Nordi Mukiele are all facing late fitness tests tomorrow.
Le Bris said: “We’ll have a late assessment for them [Mukiele, Ballard, Roefs, Le Fee]. We know already the medical decision and won’t take unnecessary risks. They 100 per cent want to play.
“They are working hard behind the scenes to be ready for the game. We have to make medical decisions because we still have a lot of games to play after this one, as well as an international break.”
On Ballard, who limped off in their 1-0 defeat to Brighton last Saturday, he added: “There was a discomfort in the hamstring injury so we’ll see.”
In better news for the Mackems, they’ll have Reinildo Mandava back, with the former Atletico Madrid man likely to return to their XI at left-back.
They’ll be without four wingers, however, with Jocelin Ta Bi, Nilson Angulo, Romaine Mundle and Bertrand Traore all ruled out.
Discussing those confirmed to be out and Reinildo’s return, Le Bris added: “Reinildo will be available. Jocelin, Nilson, Bertrand and Romaine will definitely be out. For the others, we will have a late assessment.”
So, a lack of fit wide men for the Mackems and a nervous wait on Wearside to see if any of Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard or Le Fee will make it, although the writing may be on the wall for Roefs based on his absence from the Dutch squad…