Eddie Howe has outlined Newcastle’s full-back issues, with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth still unavailable

Newcastle United are preparing for a tricky spell with limited full-back options, as Eddie Howe confirmed Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth will remain sidelined for the next run of fixtures, including Sunday’s Premier League derby against Sunderland.

The Magpies recently welcomed Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall back from injury, but the absence of both senior right-backs has left Howe short of depth on either side of his defence. Hall had been expected to start against Burnley last weekend, but illness meant Dan Burn filled in at left-back before Hall was introduced during the second half of the 2-1 win at St James' Park.

Livramento, meanwhile, is currently being asked to play every match despite only recently returning from a two-month lay-off. With games coming thick and fast - Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday, Sunderland on Sunday and Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter final the following midweek - Howe confirmed rotation will be difficult.

Assessing the situation, Howe said: "Tino's okay, I think. He's done really well. It’s tough for him because he's straight back in and playing a lot of minutes, but we don't have any other options in that position currently with Emil out and Kieran out, and they won't be back any time soon, in a sense, the next few games anyway. We hope to get him back towards the Christmas period. It would be nice if we could because it would alleviate some of the burden on Tino, but he's shouldering it really well, as is Lewis, and hopefully that can stay the case."

Hall's workload is also being monitored closely after recent minutes. Howe added: "I think he's done really well. I think the only problem for Lew is late in games when he's started to fatigue. I'd say in the first half of the Everton game, the Tottenham game, Manchester City the same he's been outstanding. I think he can be really pleased, but we just have to navigate this period well because we want him to remain on the pitch... because we've got so many games and he's so important."

Kieran Trippier, currently recovering from a training ground injury, says he is progressing positively in his rehabilitation. Writing in his matchday programme, the 35-year-old said: "My recovery from injury is going well. It was an unfortunate one... All I can do is focus on getting fit as quick as possible, but respectfully in the right way. Of course, I miss playing, but the most important thing for me now is focusing on myself and my rehab... I'll be back soon."

With two experienced full-backs missing and a packed schedule on the horizon, Howe will again rely heavily on Livramento and Hall - something Sunderland will no doubt take note of ahead of Derby Day.

Régis Le Bris offers injury update

Régis Le Bris says Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra is set to miss next weekend’s Wear-Tyne derby, with the head coach admitting the fixture against Newcastle United will likely come too soon for the 21-year-old.

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Diarra has been stepping up his recovery following groin surgery earlier this season and had been in a race to return in time for the derby. While progress has been positive, Le Bris believes the timing will work against him. The Frenchman did, however, offer encouragement elsewhere, revealing that Reinildo is expected to return after sitting out the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with a groin issue. "For Rei, it could be okay but for Habib, it would be too short, I think," Le Bris said.

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Sunderland will also have Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki available for the derby after both avoided a booking at the Etihad. Le Bris moved to withdraw the pair late on, protecting them for Sunday’s clash, with Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra introduced instead.

Le Bris later explained his decision not to turn to Dan Neil was to keep attacking momentum, with Lutsharel Geertruida pushed into midfield. "Yes, because we tried to stay in the game, to provoke something," he said. "I think with offensive players on the side, it was more or less the idea. It didn't work, but we tried."

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