Newcastle United could now be without one of Eddie Howe’s mainstays in the Tyne-Wear derby following the latest injury news.

Newcastle vs Sunderland team news

It’s the biggest game of the season for both Newcastle and Sunderland, as they do battle in the Premier League for the first time since 2016. Form will go out the window, as one of English football’s most dramatic rivalries reignites on Sunday afternoon.

It’s particularly a must-win game for Newcastle, who have unexpectedly found themselves trailing Sunderland so far this season. Victory would change that, however, and could take Howe’s side back into the top four if other results go their way.

Howe knows exactly what’s at stake against the Black Cats and told reporters that he simply wants to do “the club, the city, our people proud”.

That said, it hasn’t been the easiest preparation for those at St James’ Park. Bayer Leverkusen’s late goal denied them a much-needed victory in the Champions League in midweek and it also handed Howe some ill-timed injury blows.

As revealed by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, although Nick Pope could be back in contention to play against Sunderland, Newcastle could be without summer signing Yoane Wissa once again due to illness and midfield star Joelinton.

Newcastle dealt fresh Joelinton injury blow

As reported by Hope, Joelinton could miss the Tyne-Wear derby thanks to a “groin issue” and will be assessed before Sunday’s meeting. After playing an hour against Germany, there’s no doubt that the Brazilian faces a race against time to feature in a game that no player will want to miss.

Whilst Joelinton hasn’t been at his best this season, the derby is exactly the type of game that he usually thrives in. If Howe’s side are to enter battle, they would no doubt prefer to do so with one of their best enforcers at the heart of their side.

As things stand though, the £150,000-a-week star may be forced to step aside for someone that knows all about the Tyne-Wear derby in academy graduate Lewis Miley.

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