The upcoming Premier League clash between Sunderland and Newcastle United has suddenly taken on even more significance as FIFA has made a decision that could affect both sides’ squads.
Sunderland, in particular, were bracing for the possibility of missing several key players to the Africa Cup of Nations later this month, but new guidance from FIFA has offered a reprieve.
Premier League clubs have been granted an extra week to keep their players bound for AFCON until December 15, which means Sunderland could have most of their stars available for the Wear-Tyne derby a day earlier.
Despite this temporary relief, the Black Cats are one of several teams facing potential disruption during the festive period. At present, Sunderland could be without seven players who are likely to head to Morocco for the tournament.
Chemesdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra all have international duties looming. The absence of Sadiki and Talbi, who have started every Premier League match so far this season, would be a particular blow, given how integral they have been to Sunderland’s early-season form.
Losing multiple players at once could test the squad’s depth and resilience during one of the most challenging stretches of the season.
For Newcastle United, there is some good news. Yoane Wissa has not been named in the DR Congo squad for AFCON, meaning Eddie Howe could finally give him his debut after months out with a knee injury.
The 29-year-old striker has yet to feature since signing from Brentford, so his return is eagerly anticipated by both fans and teammates. With Wissa available, Newcastle may have an added attacking option for the derby, potentially shifting the balance in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Sunderland have made an impressive start to the season, catching many observers by surprise. Former Black Cats striker Ally McCoist has praised the team but admitted concerns over how the squad will cope if key players depart for AFCON.
Speaking to talkSPORT, McCoist said, “I do have a worry for Sunderland. I saw them at Chelsea. Terrific. I saw them at home against Arsenal. They’ve given themselves a chance with the great start they’ve had. Obviously, I’m biased, but I really hope they can stay up.”
The Black Cats return to Premier League action this week with a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Wednesday night. They will head into the game buoyed by a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Bournemouth at the weekend.
Trailing 2-0, Sunderland showed remarkable resilience to overturn the deficit and secure all three points, sending a clear message about the team’s character and determination. Manager Regis Le Bris was understandably pleased with the display.
“Coming back from two goals down and winning is a big achievement,” Le Bris said after the game. “It shows that this team has a strong character they are never beaten and they want to fight.
Many teams would have given up after going two down, but that wasn’t the case for us. This league is really demanding. You make two mistakes and you are punished very quickly.
We were disappointed with how we started with the ball, but we adjusted. We tried to manage their threat on our right side, and they were good, but we were clinical in the box, and it made a difference. We changed the dynamic, and it worked.”
The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light was another key factor in the victory. Le Bris highlighted how the fans’ energy lifted the players and contributed to the comeback. “We have great energy in the stands. If we give a lot on the pitch, they react.
The weather was nice, the crowd created a special atmosphere, and we were able to win the game. It’s important to play each match as it comes. Last weekend we lost at Fulham and were dominated, but we reset this weekend and went again.”
The Sunderland-Newcastle clash now has even more intrigue given the looming AFCON departures. While FIFA’s extension provides some breathing room, clubs will still need to carefully manage fitness, rotations, and tactics.
Sunderland will hope to field a strong team, keeping the momentum from their recent victories, while Newcastle will aim to integrate Yoane Wissa back into the squad and maintain their competitive edge.
Both sets of players know how high the stakes are in the Wear-Tyne derby, and the added element of potential absences makes the upcoming fixture one of the most talked-about matches of the season.
With Sunderland’s young stars like Talbi, Sadiki, and Adingra playing key roles, and Newcastle finally seeing Wissa return to training after his long injury layoff, fans on both sides have plenty to watch and get excited about.
The fixture promises drama, intensity, and the kind of unpredictable twists that make Premier League football so compelling.
