Régis Le Bris's Sunderland XI and bench for Newcastle trip assessed amid injury doubts | OneFootball

Sunderland head to St James’ Park on Sunday for one of their sternest tests, and the team reveal may be the most anticipated of the season given widespread injury doubts.

According to Sunderland Echo, the club have kept injury information tight this week, with Régis Le Bris set to provide some form of update in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

If Robin Roefs is available after a hamstring issue, Sunderland will want him in. It is unclear whether he has returned to training, so his involvement remains doubtful. Melker Ellborg has deputised well, showing promise in his first Premier League appearances.

A key call surrounds Nordi Mukiele, who has a calf problem and could be pushed back ahead of schedule. With Reinildo expected to return, Trai Hume may switch across in Mukiele's absence and is likely just ahead of Geertruida on this season's form. If Mukiele is fit, Hume's place could be at risk or Mukiele could move slightly further forward as he did around the turn of the year.

Dan Ballard is a major doubt after seemingly damaging his hamstring against Brighton last week. If Sunderland can get him on the pitch they will, he is a key figure. Otherwise Luke O'Nien's recent solid outings could bring him in, with Geertruida another option.

Omar Alderete has rebounded from a dip around the turn of the year with outstanding recent displays, and Sunderland will need him to excel again to take anything from this game.

Source: Sunderland Echo