9 Sunderland players at risk of missing Newcastle United clash as injuries pile up
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Newcastle United v Sunderland: Sunderland’s injury list is piling up ahead of their Tyne-Wear derby clash with Newcastle United on Sunday.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has admitted that his side are ‘struggling’ to cope with the amount of injuries they have accumulated ahead of their clash with Newcastle United next weekend.
The Black Cats were beaten 1-0 by Brighton on Saturday as former Magpies man Yankuba Minteh netted the only goal at the Stadium of Light. Le Bris’ side, though, have eight days to recover from that game before they make the trip to St James’ Park.
Their hosts at the weekend will have just three days to prepare for the Tyne-Wear derby as they have the small matter of a Champions League Round of 16 clash against Barcelona to play on Wednesday night. The Black Cats head to Tyneside aiming to complete a league double over their local rivals, but could be without up to nine players for the game.
Sunderland’s injury list v Newcastle United
Sunderland’s most pressing worry will be the fitness of defender Dan Ballard. Ballard, who scored an own goal and conceded a penalty against the Magpies during their FA Cup clash in January 2024, suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday and is a major doubt to feature at St James’ Park.
Le Bris, though, will certainly be without Bertrand Traore, Jocelin Ta Bi, Romaine Mundle and Nilson Angulo next weekend, leaving the Black Cats very low on numbers in wide areas. Doubts over Enzo Le Fee and Wilson Isidor’s fitness will also worry those from Wearside.
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Sunderland were also without Nordi Mukiele and Robin Roefs against the Seagulls this weekend, but both have a chance of featuring next weekend, although neither are guaranteed to play. Speaking about the injuries piling up at the club, Le Bris said: “It wasn't possible [to bring Wilson Isidor on] because he got an injury.
“We were really on the edge. We were cautious. We could have pushed him, but it was risky. Rather than taking risks, it was the case for Brian [Brobbey] as well.
“Brian can go all the way, but because we pushed until the end rather than keeping 65-70 minutes because it was the load expected. At the minute, we are struggling a bit. We are just on the edge, but we try our best to keep the team safe.”
On Ballard, Le Bris added: “Dan had discomfort with his hamstring, so we hope it isn't too serious. We expect Enzo [Le Fee] to be ready for Newcastle, it might be possible. For Nilson [Angulo], we'll have to wait at least four to six weeks. Reinildo [Mandava] will train with us [this week], so that’s good news.
“Nordi [Mukiele] is getting better, we'll see for next week. It's always the same: you can take the risk, he might play against Newcastle, but if we lose him for eight weeks after, it doesn't make sense. We are always on the edge so we'll try to manage the situation properly.”
Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park kicks-off at midday and will be broadcast live on TV in the United Kingdom by Sky Sports.