Sunderland play the Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon

Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Reinildo is fit to face Newcastle United in the Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday afternoon.

The left back was absent with a groin issue as the Black Cats lost 3-0 to Manchester City last Saturday but returned to training on Thursday ahead of the game. Le Bris confirmed, as expected, that Habib Diarra will be absent from the game as he recovers groin surgery.

The midfielder could still go to AFCON, though it appears he will not be able to feature in the opening games of the tournament.

“Reinildo is fit, he trained on Thursday and again today,” Le Bris said.

“Habib will train with the group next week. So, full training, ready to go. He'll need probably one or two weeks to be at his best after a good rehab programme. Now the decision is with the national team.If they want to select the player, they can.”

Dennis Cirkin is also available after completing three full games for the U21s over recent weeks, and could come back into the squad given Luke O’Nien’s suspension. He will likely have a more prominent role when Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku depart for AFCON next week.

“He's ready and trained properly now for two or three weeks. He's connected with the group and it's good news because now we don't have many injuries. It's important that part for this part of the season.”

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Régis Le Bris addresses formation question ahead of Newcastle United test

Le Bris kept his cards close to his chest as to whether he will deploy a back four or five for the game, but said the flexibility is a big positive for his side.

Le Bris said: “I won’t answer!

“We have different options, which is really positive. The knowledge of the squad helps us to be really flexible, which is good. If plan A works, great, if not you can move to another. This is a positive thing for us.”

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