Sunderland reveal Dan Ballard blow and injury latest ahead of Newcastle clash

Newcastle United have a massive week ahead of them with Barcelona on Wednesday and the small matter of the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.

This feels like one of those rare occasions where the midweek result won't have any effect on the mood heading into the weekend game.

At least we'd like to think so, because if the Newcastle players can't get themselves motivated for the derby, we've got bigger problems. That being said, if Eddie Howe's boys do manage to win in Barcelona on Wednesday, they will feel unstoppable heading back to St James' Park to face their bitter rivals, Sunderland.

It's one of the biggest games of the season for both sides on Sunday, so both Eddie Howe and Regis Le Bris will be hoping to have as many of their bigger players to select their team from to maximise their chances of scooping up a big victory.

Le Bris reveals Ballard doubt

Sunderland's Dan Ballard is a major doubt for the derby after picking up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat to Brighton at the weekend.

We know how much Sunderland fans like to take credit for things their ex-players have done against Newcastle, particularly Jordan Pickford, so we're going to take credit for Yankuba Minteh scoring the winner for Brighton. Even though he never kicked a ball for Newcastle.

Le Bris has a few concerns heading into Sunday's clash. He sounded confident of a few players returning when speaking to the media at the weekend (via The Shields Gazette), but Ballard is now their latest injury doubt, alongside Enzo Le Fee, Nordi Mukiele and Nilson Angulo.

“Dan [Ballard] had discomfort with his hamstring, so we hope it isn't too serious. We expect Enzo [Le Fee] to be ready for Newcastle, it might be possible.

"For Nilson [Angulo], we'll have to wait at least four to six weeks. Reinildo [Mandava] will train with us [this week], so that’s good news.

“Nordi [Mukiele] is getting better, we'll see for next week. It's always the same: you can take the risk, he might play against Newcastle, but if we lose him for eight weeks after, it doesn't make sense. We are always on the edge so we'll try to manage the situation properly.”

Honestly, we're not even sure who most of those players are, but we're sure they're happy to have them back, anyway.

Newcastle are seeking revenge for the 1-0 reverse at the Stadium of Light, where Nick Woltemade nodded into his own goal. It was a turgid game in truth, so we're hoping we can put on a proper show in a proper stadium on Sunday.

Miley to return?

Eddie Howe gave some hope on Friday that youngster Lewis Miley is on track to return to training this week, and we're sure the 19-year-old would love to be involved in the derby at the weekend.

Sandro Tonali missed the win over Chelsea on Saturday through illness, and it's expected that he will be back for Wednesday's game against Barcelona, but it's almost certain that he'll be fit for Sunday, regardless.

Tino Livramento came through over 70 minutes at Stamford Bridge so he should be good to go at St James' Park at the weekend too. Joelinton played some part on Saturday despite sitting out most of the game with a toe injury, so we'll have to see how he gets on. So things for Eddie Howe are looking good so far.

Of course, several training sessions and the game against Barcelona could change that, but let's be positive for now.