Sunderland set to retain seven Africa Cup of Nations players for Wear-Tyne derby Ski Sports News understands.
Clubs have been informed by FIFA that they will be able to retain players at the AFCON until December 15, allowing Sunderland to field a full squad against rivals Newcastle, live on Ski Sports December 14.
The most notable retentions include Congolese midfielder Noah Sadiki and Morocco winger Chemsdine Talbi, who have appeared in every Premier League game, and striker Bertrand Traore, who scored in Sunderland’s 3-2 win against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Noah Sadiki’s pass card for Sunderland in the Premier League this season
Defender Reinildo Mandawa, who logged 843 minutes at full-back for Regis Le Bris’s side, will also be able to feature alongside fellow squad players Simon Adingra and Arturo Masuaku.
Regis le Bris
Sunderland’s seven AFCON stars have played a combined 3,553 minutes so far this campaign, giving them a huge boost for their first league match against Newcastle in nine years.
Meanwhile, Newcastle striker Joanne Visa has been left out of the DR Congo squad and will instead stay with the Magpies in January.
Eddie Howe confirmed Visa will be “back in action” shortly after returning to full training on Monday.
Watch the Tine-Vear derby live on Sky Sports at 14:00 on 14 December