Major Newcastle United v Sunderland injury news as 5 players expected back for Tyne-Wear derby
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Newcastle United latest news: Sunderland have been handed a major injury boost ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby next weekend.
Regis Le Bris has revealed he could welcome back up to five players when Sunderland make the trip to St James’ Park next weekend.
The Black Cats make the short trip to Tyneside next Sunday aiming to complete a Premier League double over their local rivals. Depending on results this weekend, Sunderland face Brighton at the Stadium of Light whilst Newcastle United take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Le Bris’ side could head into that derby next week with clear daylight between themselves and their hosts.
They could also kick-off behind the Magpies in the Premier League table next weekend if results go against them. Whatever happens, Le Bris’ side will have almost eight full days to prepare for the Tyne-Wear derby, whilst Newcastle United will have just three days following the second-leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night.
The Magpies know they won’t have their captain Bruno Guimaraes available to them next weekend with the Brazilian still sidelined after suffering a muscle injury. Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth will also miss out with long-term injuries whilst there are doubts surrounding Lewis Miley’s fitness nine days out from that game.
Sunderland receive major injury boost ahead of Newcastle United clash
Whilst their hosts will be without a couple of key players, Sunderland, though, have been boosted by the potential return of five sidelined players. Speaking ahead of their clash with the Seagulls, Le Bris revealed that both Brian Brobbey and Dennis Cirkin could feature at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
“Brian and Dennis have trained fully this week,” Le Bris said. “They might be available.”
Le Bris also provided an update on Nordi Mukiele, Robin Roefs and Reinildo, all three of whom have missed out in recent weeks due to a variety of injury issues.
“Nordi, Robin and Rei are in a good place but won’t be available for this fixture,” the Black Cats boss added. “Probably they will train next week, Rei 100%, so it’s more about the Newcastle game for them. They are progressing well.”
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Sunderland’s victory in the reverse fixture back in December came via an own goal scored by Nick Woltemade. Howe’s side simply failed to turn up that day and were punished for that when Woltemade inadvertently nodded the ball into his own net.
Despite having a Champions League game to contend with in the days leading up to next weekend’s game, they will be desperate to right those wrongs and send the Newcastle United fans into the international break with bragging rights over their local rivals.
Whilst bragging rights will be fought for on Tyneside, there is also the small matter of three precious Premier League points up for grabs as they look to ascend the table and drag themselves back into the conversation for European football next season.
Qualifying for the Champions League looks beyond them, but a 7th or even 8th placed finish could be enough to secure European football of some sort.