Sunderland v Newcastle expected line-ups
Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava has been back in training following a groin injury and is in contention to return, while fellow left-back Dennis Cirkin could be available for a first appearance of the season.
“Dennis is ready,” said Le Bris. “He has trained properly now for two or three weeks and he’s connected in the group. It’s good news. Right now, we don’t have many injuries.”
Habib Diarra will return to full training next week following a groin injury but could feature for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which starts on December 21.
“He will need probably one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehab programme and after that it depends on AFCON,” assessed Le Bris. “We need to build his fitness level and after that, he will be ready.
“The decision is with the national team. If they want to select the player, they can. It’s not our decision.”
Midfielder Luke O’Nien is serving the first match of a three-game suspension for being dismissed in the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City last Saturday.
Full-back Kieran Trippier (thigh) is out for Newcastle, while goalkeeper Nick Pope and midfielder Joelinton (both groin), defenders Sven Botman (back) and Emile Krafth (knee) and forwards Yoane Wissa (illness) and William Osula (ankle) are doubts.
How to watch Sunderland v Newcastle: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Sunday is at 14:00 GMT (09:00 ET / 06:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
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