Sunderland vs Newcastle: Latest Team and Injury News

Ahead of the highly anticipated return of the Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday, December 14, between bitter rivals Sunderland and Newcastle, we look at the latest team and injury news for both teams as they, as many of their fans will agree, head into their most important game of the season.

Sunderland vs Newcastle: Latest Team and Injury News

Sunderland Team and Injury News

Reinildo: Expected to recover in time from a slight groin injury that kept him out of the trip to Manchester City

Habib Diarra: It appears that his attempts to be fit for the derby won’t be enough. The midfielder has been out since September, but Regis Le Bris has confirmed that the 21-year-old is set to miss the game and that Reinildo should be fit. He said: “For Rei, it could be okay, but for Habib, it would be too short, I think”.

Dennis Cirkin: Played twice now for the U21s as he continues to build his match fitness, having been missing all season through injury. Is unlikely to be risked or required on Sunday

Leo Hjelde: Like Cirkin, the defender has also been featuring for the U21s following injury. Again, unlikely to be risked or needed.

Aji Alese: Long-term absentee has begun light training but isn’t expected to be available for first team action until the new year. Has been out since January.

Luke O’Nien: His red card against Manchester City means he will miss the derby and the two games that follow it against Brighton and Leeds.

Newcastle Team and Injury News

Sandro Tonali: Struggling for fitness having had injuries and an illness. Likely to be available but may not be able to play a full 90 minutes.

Yoane Wissa: Has hardly featured since big-money move in the summer. Fell ill in midweek but should be available; however, unlikely to start

Joelinton: Forced off in midweek with a groin injury. A major doubt.

Nick Pope: Out with a groin injury, likely to be out for another 2-3 weeks.

Kieran Trippier: Out with hamstring injury. Could be back for the festive period.

Sven Botman: A doubt due to a back injury. May recover to be available for selection.

Emil Krafth: Out with a knee injury sustained on international duty. Could return over Christmas.