Régis Le Bris's Sunderland XI and bench to face Newcastle United predicted | OneFootball

Sunderland visit St James’ Park on Sunday for one of their sternest tests, and the team news looks set to be the most anticipated of the season.

According to Sunderland Echo, injury doubts across the squad cloud selection, and Régis Le Bris will offer an update at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

In goal, if Robin Roefs is available Sunderland would be very keen to restore him, but it is unclear whether he has returned to training after a hamstring issue, so he remains doubtful. Melker Ellborg has deputised well and shown promise in his first Premier League outings.

On the right, a key call is whether to accelerate Nordi Mukiele’s return from a calf problem. With Reinildo expected back, Trai Hume could shift across and is likely just ahead of Geertruida on this season’s form. If Mukiele is ready, Hume’s role could change or Mukiele could be used further forward, as he did around the turn of the year.

At centre-back, Dan Ballard is a major doubt only a week after seemingly sustaining a hamstring issue against Brighton. If Sunderland can get him on the pitch they will, but if not, Luke O’Nien’s recent displays will see him come into the XI, with Geertruida another option.

Alongside, Omar Alderete has rebounded from a mid-season dip with strong recent performances, and Sunderland will need him to excel again to take anything from this fixture.

Source: Sunderland Echo