Sunderland vs Newcastle: Bertrand Traore and Noah Sadiki among seven AFCON-bound players retained for Tyne-Wear derby.

Sunderland poised to retain seven Africa Cup of Nations-bound players ahead of their Wear-Tyne derby vs Newcastle;

FIFA announced that players participating in the tournament can leave their clubs starting December 15 According to Sky Sports News, Sunderland are expected to keep seven Africa Cup of Nations-bound players for the Wear-Tyne derby.

FIFA has notified clubs that they would be entitled to keep players heading to AFCON until December 15, allowing Sunderland to field a full-strength squad against Newcastle on December 14, live on Sky Sports.

The most significant additions are Congo midfielder Noah Sadiki and Morocco winger Chemsdine Talbi, who have each been in every Premier League game, as well as attacker Bertrand Traore, who scored in Sunderland’s 3-2 win against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Reinildo Mandava, a defender who has played 843 minutes for Regis Le Bris’ team, will be able to play alongside Simon Adingra and Arthur Masuaku.

Sunderland’s seven AFCON-bound players have played a total of 3,553 minutes this season, providing a significant boost for their first league meeting versus Newcastle in nine years.

Meanwhile, Newcastle forward Yoanne Wissa has been left out of the DR Congo squad and will continue with the Magpies in January.

Eddie Howe revealed that Wissa will be “back involved” shortly after returning to full training on Monday. Watch the Tyne-Wear derby live on Sky Sports at 2 p.m. on December 14.

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