‘Doubt’… Sunderland could now be without ‘elite’ 26-year-old player vs Newcastle on Saturday

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Newcastle United are not the only team who could be without key players during this Saturday’s Tyne-Wear derby.

The Magpies face Sunderland at the Stadium Of Light this weekend in the FA Cup third round, as the two sides prepare to meet for the first time since 2016.

Eddie Howe is going to be without Callum Wilson for the game, meaning that Alexander Isak will be Newcastle’s only fit striker for the derby. The Toon boss is also sweating on the fitness of Kieran Trippier, who missed the defeat to Liverpool due to injury.

It also looks like Newcastle will not be welcoming back any of their long-term absentees for the game against Sunderland, with Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson set to miss out once again.

While Newcastle are clearly the stronger team, they are not going to be at full strength at the Stadium Of Light.

However, that might also be the case for Sunderland.

Sunderland boss provides injury update ahead of Newcastle game

Sunderland manager Michael Beale has been speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s game against Newcastle, and provided an injury update on Patrick Roberts after he missed the Black Cats’ win over Preston North End on New Year’s Day.

“We didn’t pick up any new injuries during Monday’s game,” he said.

“But Patrick Roberts is a doubt for this weekend. We’ll see what he’s like later in the week.”

Patrick Roberts would be a big miss for Sunderland

It sounds like Sunderland are sweating on the fitness of Roberts, who was a key player for them last season as they finished inside the top six of the Championship. He scored five goals and provided seven assists, shining alongside the likes of Jack Clarke and Amad Diallo – who is now back at Manchester United after his loan spell came to an end.

Roberts has been less influential this season, managing just one assist so far and failing to find the net in any of his 23 appearances.

But being without him would be a major blow for Sunderland, as he can be one of their most dangerous in the final third. In a recent interview, Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman admitted that the 26-year-old has ‘elite qualities‘.

Those ‘elite qualities’ might not be on display on Saturday though, with Roberts currently a doubt for the derby against Newcastle.