Sunderland will retain seven players from the Africa Cup of Nations for the Wear-Tyne derby. Sky Sports News I understand.
FIFA has told clubs they have until December 15 to have their players ready to head to AFCON, which will allow Sunderland to field a fully-strength squad to face rivals Newcastle live. sky sports On December 14th.
The most notable remaining players include Congolese midfielder Noah Sadiki and Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi, both of whom have featured in every Premier League game, as well as striker Bertrand Traore, who scored in Sunderland’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Noah Sadiqi’s passing map for Sunderland in the Premier League this season
Defender Reinildo Mandava of the Regis Le Bris team could also feature, along with defenders Simon Adingra and Arthur Masuaku.
Regis Le Brice
Sunderland’s seven AFCON stars have played a total of 3,553 minutes so far this season, giving them a huge boost to their first league game against Newcastle in nine years.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Striker Yoanne Wissa has been left out of the Democratic Republic of Congo squad and will instead remain with the Magpies in January.
Eddie Howe has confirmed Wissa will soon “be back in action” after returning to full training on Monday.
Watch the Tyne-Wear derby live on Sky Sports on December 14 at 2pm.
