Régis Le Bris names Sunderland starting XI for Newcastle United derby with key quintet absent
Enzo Le Fée, Reinildo Mandava, Robin Roefs, Dan Ballard and Nordi Mukiele all miss out Sunderland’s starting XI face Newcastle United
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has named his starting XI for this afternoon’s Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Le Bris has made one change from the side beaten 1-0 by Brighton at the Stadium of Light last weekend, with Luke O’Nien coming into the starting line-up. He replaces Dan Ballard, who misses out due to a hamstring injury.
There had been hope that Ballard, Enzo Le Fée, Reinildo Mandava, Robin Roefs and Nordi Mukiele would be fit enough to feature from the outset, but none of the quintet have been passed fit to start - a significant blow to Sunderland’s options heading into the derby. The Black Cats also remain without long-term absentees Jocelin Ta Bi, Bertrand Traoré and Nilson Angulo. Mandava, Le Fée and Mukiele have made Le Bris’ bench but there is no place in the squad for Ballard or Roefs, who miss out on the squad altogether through injury.
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O’Nien is set to partner Omar Alderete at the heart of the defence, with Lutsharel Geertruida lining up at right-back and Trai Hume on the left. Granit Xhaka is expected to anchor the midfield, with Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra completing the trio. Further forward, Chris Rigg is set to start on the right flank, with Chemsdine Talbi operating on the left and Brian Brobbey leading the line.
Sunderland starting XI: Ellborg, Geertrudia, Hume, O’Nien, Alderete, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Rigg, Talbi, Brobbey.
Sunderland subs: Moore, Reinildo, Cirkin, Mukiele, Le Fee, H. Jones, Jen Jones, Mayenda, Isidor
What did Régis Le Bris say ahead of the Newcastle United game
When asked about injuries during a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Le Bris responded: “We have a late assessment for them. We know already that Jocelin [Ta Bi], Nilson [Angulo], Bertrand [Traore], and Romain [Mundle] will be sidelined for this game.
“For the others, we have a late assessment because they are working hard behind the scenes, getting ready for this fixture. It's really important for us. It might be a pure medical decision. We won't take unnecessary risks. We still have seven games after this one and an international break to manage the last part of the rehab, if necessary.” On the nature of Ballard’s injury, he added: “It was a discomfort in the hamstring zone so we'll see.”
“I had this conversation with Nordi 10 minutes ago, before the press conference. Nordi and the others pushed at the maximum to be ready for this fixture. After that, we can't make an emotional decision. It has to be a rational decision, purely medical.
“If he plays 20 minutes, for example, and gets an injury at the end of the game, he will miss maybe eight or nine weeks after that, which is a shame. I like their behaviour, because they want to be involved. They understand how important this game is, the necessity to be connected for the squad. Not only for the derby, but for the end of the season. It's always a good sign when the players injured are committed. It's a sign. They want to play, they want to be connected to the squad. After that, you have to make a decision.”