Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka issues strong warning to Newcastle United with bold pre-match aim
Granit Xhaka says Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby will be the biggest rivalry match of his career as Sunderland face Newcastle United
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has described Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby as the biggest rivalry match he has faced in his career, despite previously playing in the North London derby and Champions League fixtures during spells with Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen in July for an initial £13million fee, signing a three-year deal and later being named club captain by head coach Régis Le Bris. The midfielder has since become a central figure in the squad and scored his first Sunderland goal in November during a 1-1 draw with Everton.
Speaking to the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Newcastle United, Xhaka said the magnitude of the occasion is clear inside the dressing room. He told the Premier League’s media team: “I had many rivals as well in my career, but I think this one will be the biggest. Let’s try and give the fans and the club something big. We have one objective, and it’s to win the game.”
Xhaka has experienced high-pressure fixtures across Europe, including Arsenal vs Tottenham, Champions League knockout ties and multiple international tournaments, yet believes the intensity surrounding Sunday’s derby surpasses anything he has been part of.
The game marks the first league meeting between Sunderland and Newcastle in nine years and the first Wear-Tyne derby in the Premier League at Stadium of Light since 2016. Both sides enter the weekend under heightened scrutiny, with Sunderland looking to build momentum under Le Bris and Newcastle aiming to secure points in the top half. Kick-off is at 2pm on Sunday with live coverage on Sky Sports.
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.
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."