Régis Le Bris names Sunderland starting XI for Newcastle United derby with key quintet absent | OneFootball

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has confirmed his side for this afternoon’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, making one change from the 1-0 loss to Brighton. Luke O’Nien starts, with Dan Ballard missing out through injury.

According to Sunderland Echo, hopes that Ballard, Enzo Le Fée, Reinildo Mandava, Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele would be fit to start have been dashed, with none cleared to do so. Mandava, Le Fée and Mukiele are on the bench, while Ballard and Roefs are not in the squad. Long term absentees Jocelin Ta Bi, Bertrand Traoré and Nilson Angulo remain sidelined.

O’Nien is set to partner Omar Alderete in central defence. Lutsharel Geertruida is expected at right-back with Trai Hume left, Granit Xhaka to anchor midfield alongside Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra. Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi are likely to flank Brian Brobbey.

Sunderland starting XI: Ellborg, Geertrudia, Hume, O’Nien, Alderete, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Rigg, Talbi, Brobbey.

Sunderland subs: Moore, Reinildo, Cirkin, Mukiele, Le Fee, H. Jones, Jen Jones, Mayenda, Isidor.

Speaking on Friday, Le Bris said late assessments would determine involvement for those pushing to return and confirmed Romain Mundle would miss out. He explained Ballard had hamstring discomfort and stressed he would not take unnecessary risks, citing the derby, seven games remaining and the international break for rehab.

Source: Sunderland Echo