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Newcastle United will square-off against local rivals Sunderland for the first time in almost eight years on Saturday when Eddie Howe takes his side to the Stadium of Light for an FA Cup Third Round clash.
Newcastle have lost seven of their last eight matches in all competitions and will be hoping, despite their injury issues, to end this run and secure the Magpies’ first win against their local rivals in over 12 years.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have taken seven points from a possible nine in their last three outings and will be hopeful of involving Newcastle in yet another unwanted FA Cup upset.
Here, we take a look at the latest injury news from both camps ahead of Saturday’s Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light:
5. Jay Matete - doubt
Matete had spent a fair amount of time sidelined with a knee injury before he featured for the Under-21’s last month. Sunderland will be cautious about introducing him back into first-team matters and thus he is a doubt for Saturday’s game. | Frank Reid
6. Niall Huggins - out
Huggins was stretchered off during Sunderland’s defeat to Coventry City last month and has been ruled-out of the rest of the campaign with a knee injury. | Frank Reid
7. Elliot Embleton - out
Embleton suffered a thigh injury whilst on-loan at Derby County. | Frank Reid
8. Patrick Roberts - doubt
Beale has labelled the former Celtic man a doubt for Saturday’s game after he missed their win over Preston North End on Monday. | Frank Reid