Injury Boost: this defender back in contention for Sunday

Newcastle United were handed a much-needed boost ahead of Sunday's crunch tie against Sunderland with the news that Congo international Chancel Mbemba passed a fitness test this week and is available for selection this weekend.

After suffering a heel injury during our 3-0 loss to Everton back in February, the centre back has not featured for Newcastle since, with Jamaal Lascelles coming in to deputise for the 21-year-old.

With the Magpies conceding 54 goals in the league this season (only Villa have conceded more with 57), manager Rafa Benitez will need all the help he can get defensively with captain Fabricio Coloccini's availablity for the Tyne and Wear derby still hanging in the balance.

The Argentine international suffered a calf injury during Newcastle's training camp in La Manga back in February and it is still not known whether he will be ready in time for Sunday.