Regis Le Bris issues Sunderland team news update ahead of Newcastle United showdown | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris says Sunderland will make late calls on several key players before Sunday’s derby at Newcastle United. The Black Cats visit St James’ Park for the first time in a decade.

According to Sunderland Echo, Robin Roefs, Dan Ballard, Nordi Mukiele and Enzo Le Fée will be assessed. Roefs has a hamstring issue from last month’s draw with Bournemouth, Ballard was withdrawn just after the hour in last weekend’s defeat to Brighton, Le Fée missed that game, and Mukiele has been out since a calf problem against Fulham on 22 February.

Jocelin Ta Bi, Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore and Romain Mundle are ruled out.

Le Bris underlined that decisions will be purely medical and that he will not take unnecessary risks, noting there are seven games to come after this derby and an international break to help manage any rehab if required.

On Ballard, he described the issue as hamstring discomfort. He also said players are pushing hard to be ready, referencing a conversation with Mukiele shortly before his press conference, but stressed he cannot be swayed by the occasion. A short cameo that aggravates a problem could mean eight or nine weeks out, so selection will be kept rational.

Source: Sunderland Echo