Expected Sunderland vs Newcastle line-ups
Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava has returned to training following a groin injury and is in contention to return, while compatriot Dennis Cirkin could be available for a first appearance of the season.
“Dennis is ready,” Le Bris said. “He has trained well for two or three weeks and he is connected in the group. This is good news. At the moment we do not have many injuries.”
Habib Diarra will return to full training next week following a groin injury, but could represent Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which begins on December 21.
“It will probably take him one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehabilitation and after that it depends on the CAN,” assessed Le Bris. “We need to develop his fitness level and after that he will be ready.
“The decision is up to 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-match suspension for being sent off during 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 doubtful.
How to watch Sunderland vs Newcastle: TV channel, live stream online
Kick-off on Sunday will be at 2:00 p.m. GMT (09:00 a.m. ET / 06:00 a.m. PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a one-day subscription, £28 per month for a 12-month subscription or £34.99 per month without a contract.
Sky Sports subscriptions include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live broadcasts and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a wide variety of devices via the Sky GO app
