Sunderland early team news v Newcastle: Regis Le Bris shares injury update on key duo
Regis Le Bris is preparing his Sunderland side to face Newcastle United in the Wear-Tyne derby.
Eddie Howe has a selection dilemma at Newcastle as he prepares for the short trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The derby clash is just days away, with Sunderland set to play host to Newcastle in the Premier League for the first time in nine years.
Sunderland could name a changed XI to face Newcastle after falling to a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City in their last outing.
Regis Le Bris has decisions to make, but has now revealed injury news that is bound to have a say on who features against the Magpies.
Regis Le Bris shares injury update ahead of Newcastle clash
Luke O’Nien was sent off against Man City and will be absent from the derby day squad, but won’t be alone on the sidelines.
The black and white striped outfit faces fitness concerns, with Howe facing plenty of questions before his team can be named in SR5.
The Black Cats aren’t without injury concerns of their own, but are helped by AFCON stars sticking around to feature against Newcastle.
There will be hope that multiple names can return to the fold and make an impact, but the Mackems await confirmation from Le Bris.
The Frenchman took to media duties on 12 December to confirm the latest on fitness issues within his Black Cats squad.
Confirming the fitness of long-term absentee Dennis Cirkin, Le Bris said: “He’s ready – he’s trained properly now for two or three weeks. he’s connected with the group. We’ll see if he features.”
He also revealed that midfielder Habib Diarra will train next week, before potentially jetting out for AFCON duty.
“Habib will train with the group next week. He needs one or two weeks to probably be at his best after a good rehab programme. After that, it’s AFCON, but we needed to build his level and after that he’ll be ready,” the Sunderland boss added.
Sunderland can be confident of win vs Newcastle United
The St James’ Park club may be on a run of four games without defeat, having won two against Everton and Burnley, but the Stadium of Light poses a different challenge.
Le Bris has seriously kept his side ticking throughout the campaign and will be keen to keep it going into the derby and beyond.
Nick Pope could return for the Magpies and hand the Mackems even more hope of a positive result, but things still won’t be easy.
With the backing of a nearly fully fit squad in SR5, there will be true hope for more derby day magic after so long away.
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