Regis Le Bris has delivered an injury update with just two weeks to go until Sunderland's visit to Tyne-Wear derby rivals Newcastle United.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed the Black Cats are yet to make a decision over how to treat an injury suffered by winger Bertrand Traore as his side’s visit to Tyne-Wear derby rivals Newcastle United looms.

However, there was some positive news for the former Lorient boss as he gave an encouraging update over the fitness of four other members of his squad. Burkina Faso winger Traore was one of a whole host of summer signings made by Sunderland as they prepared to return to the Premier League and he has gone on to one goal in 12 league appearances during his first season on Wearside.

However, the 30-year-old saw his attempts to establish himself in Le Bris’ side disrupted when he was called up for African Cup of Nations duty and a knee injury suffered during the tournament has limited him to two substitute appearances since the turn of the year. They both came over the last ten days as he came off the bench in a draw at Bournemouth and the midweek win at Leeds - but a relapse in the latter of those fixtures has placed a question mark over his involvement at St James Park later this month.

Speaking about a possible return date for the winger, Le Bris said: “The date is not completed exactly, but it might be a long injury. We're still deciding whether it is surgery or a more conservative treatment, we don't know this yet. But yes, he will be without him for a while, I think so.”

Good place

Black Cats goalkeeper Robin Roefs is also in a race against time as he looks to return to contention ahead of the derby clash later this month. The Dutch stopper has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League this season but he is currently working his way back from a hamstring injury and missed Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Port Vale.

The assessment on striker Brian Brobbey and defensive trio Reinildo Mandava, Nordi Mukiele and Dennis Cirkin is more positive as Le Bris revealed all four players are rapidly closing in on a return to fitness and should return to contention over the coming weeks.

Speaking on Friday, he said: “Brian trained this morning - he won't be available for Port Vale, but next week he should be okay. Rei (Reinildo) should run on the grass this weekend, which is good as well. He's so close to being back with the squad. Everything is going well. Nordi will probably run next week as well. They are in the bracket to be available around Brighton or Newcastle. Dennis, same idea. He ran last week and it was still a bit painful, but not too much, which is normal. It's a symptom-based and we still have to adapt the rehabilitation programme according to what he feels, but he's in a good place."

Your next Newcastle United read: Eddie Howe asked to clarify 'massive' Newcastle United claim ahead of Barcelona Champions League clash