Newcastle United are preparing for their first derby day against Sunderland in the Premier League since the 2016/17 season. 

Eddie Howe will be delighted with his side’s recent form, as they have managed to win three of their last four league games, including three points against Manchester City in late November. Newcastle will be heading into the January transfer window full of optimism.

They are expected to sign a goalkeeper and potentially a midfielder in January, and Howe will hope that any signings can help them push up into the Champions League places.

However, Howe’s focus will very much be on the weekend as Newcastle are preparing for the first Tyne-Wear derby of the season, as they will make the short trip to play against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Sunderland injury news

Sunderland have three players who are in doubt for the game on Sunday afternoon. The first is midfielder Habib Diarra, who is dealing with a long-term groin injury. He has been out for some time, but could feature in a limited capacity against the Magpies.

Next, defender Aji Alese is yet to play this season due to a long-term shoulder injury. He is currently being assessed ahead of the game at the weekend. Again, he will likely be limited for the derby day.

Finally, full-back Reinildo Mandava is recovering from a groin injury that he suffered last week. He missed Sunderland’s loss against Chelsea, as Howe said: “Reinildo misses today’s game due to a minor groin injury, but is expected to be available next weekend.”

Sunderland players ruled out: N/a

Sunderland players in doubt: Diarra, Alese, Mandava

Newcastle United injury news

There are five names on Newcastle’s injury list, including three who have already been ruled out. First, striker Will Osula will miss the game with an ankle injury that he suffered early in November, however, they do have a fit Yoane Wissa which is a boost.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope has also been ruled out with a groin injury, meaning that Aaron Ramsdale will likely start against Sunderland. He is expected to be available again after Christmas.

Kieran Trippier is also ruled out for the Sunderland match, as he has a long-term hamstring injury, which he suffered late in November. He is expected to be unavailable until January.

In terms of Newcastle players in doubt, Sven Botman is dealing with a lower back injury which kept him out of the game against Burnley last weekend. Howe said last week: “Sven has had an injection in his back, I believe, but I haven’t seen him personally since the Tottenham game. We hope that will bring about his return quite quickly, but we think there’s a timeframe of about a week for the injection to work.”

Finally, Emil Krafth is also a doubt for the Sunderland game, as he is dealing with a knee injury that he suffered in the last international break. He’s being assessed ahead of the game on Sunday at the Stadium of Light.

Click here to see Newcastle United’s full first team squad for the 2025/26 season.