Régis Le Bris names Sunderland XI for Newcastle derby as key quintet do not start | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris has confirmed Sunderland’s line-up for this afternoon’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, making one change from the side beaten 1-0 by Brighton last weekend. Luke O’Nien comes in for Dan Ballard, who is out with a hamstring issue.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, hopes that Ballard, Enzo Le Fée, Reinildo Mandava, Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele would be ready to start have been dashed. Mandava, Le Fée and Mukiele are on the bench, with no place for Ballard or Roefs.

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

On Friday, Le Bris said late fitness calls would be made and he would not take unnecessary risks, noting Ballard had hamstring discomfort. He added that Nordi Mukiele and others had pushed to return, but any involvement must be a rational, medical decision to avoid setbacks that could cost eight or nine weeks. He also said Jocelin Ta Bi, Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore and Romain Mundle would be sidelined.

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.

Source: Sunderland Echo