Newcastle United have added a further three players to their extensive injury list ahead of the FA Cup clash with Sunderland.
While Newcastle United are certainly the favourites in the Wear-Tyne derby, Sunderland are arguably heading into the tie with a little more positivity than their neighbours.
Michael Beale have had an up-and-down start to his career at the Stadium of Light, but an impressive win against Preston North End on New Year’s Day may have lifted their spirits.
A goal for a striker for the first time in almost a year is a huge relief, while a long-awaited return from injury for Aji Alese may also settle some nerves at the back.
While Sunderland are sweating on the fitness of Patrick Roberts, their injury concerns are far from the height of Newcastle’s.
Recent reports confirmed that Callum Wilson will miss out on the FA Cup third round on Saturday, while Kieran Trippier is a doubt.
Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has now added another three players to their absentees, claiming that Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson are all set to miss the Magpies’ next two games.
On X, Hope wrote: “Sounds like NUFC can add Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes & Elliot Anderson to those, now including Callum Wilson, who will miss both Sunderland & Man City. I’m told trio have little chance of returning until after January mini-break. Kieran Trippier could return Saturday but more news awaited on him.”
That means that Eddie Howe could now be missing ten first team players as they travel to Wearside this weekend, with Jacob Murphy, Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Sandro Tonali and former Sunderland man Javier Manquillo all sidelined.
Can Sunderland continue their unbeaten run?
Sunderland fans know it will take a lot to claim a shock victory against Newcastle United this weekend.
I think we would have had a lot more confidence if this game had come sometime last season, when we were playing beautiful football and had the Championship on strings.
But has Michael Beale had enough time to settle things down and gain the trust of the team and the supporters?
Either way, Newcastle certainly have their worries going into the game. The Magpies have really struggled for form and their lack of first team stars will knock down their odds.
Kieran Trippier does look increasingly likely to be available though, which is frustrating for the Black Cats.
The full-back has put on some poor performances recently, but he can be one of the best right-backs in the country on his day and Jack Clarke won’t have it easy on the left flank.