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

Sunderland face one of their toughest tests at St James’ Park on Sunday, with the team announcement eagerly awaited amid a raft of injury doubts. According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris will give some form of update in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, yet selection calls remain finely poised.

In goal, the call may hinge on Robin Roefs’ hamstring. If he is available Sunderland would like to restore him, but his return to training is unclear. Melker Ellborg has deputised smartly and shown promise in his first Premier League appearances.

At right-back, Trai Hume is the provisional pick as Sunderland weigh up whether to bring back Nordi Mukiele, who has a calf problem, without risking the run-in. With Reinildo expected back, Hume could move across if Mukiele is absent and he is currently ahead of Geertruida. If Mukiele is fit, he could also operate slightly further forward as he did earlier this year.

At centre-back, Dan Ballard is a major doubt after appearing to injure his hamstring against Brighton last week. If he can feature Sunderland will try to get him on the pitch, otherwise Luke O’Nien is the likeliest replacement, with Geertruida another option.

Omar Alderete has emerged from a mid-season dip with a series of strong displays. Sunderland will need him to excel again if they are to take anything from this game.

Source: Sunderland Echo