Sunderland will keep seven Africa Cup of Nations-bound players for the Tyne-Wear derby, Sky Sports News understands.
FIFA has told clubs they can retain players heading to AFCON until December 15, meaning Sunderland can field a near full-strength side against Newcastle on December 14, live on Sky Sports.
Among those retained are Congo midfielder Noah Sadiki and Morocco winger Chemsdine Talbi, both of whom have featured in every Premier League game this season, and forward Bertrand Traore, who scored in Sunderland’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Defender Reinildo Mandava, who has played 843 minutes this campaign, will also be available, along with squad players Simon Adingra and Arthur Masuaku.
Sunderland’s seven AFCON-bound players have combined for 3,553 minutes so far this season, a significant boost as the club prepares for its first league meeting with Newcastle in nine years.
Meanwhile, Newcastle striker Yoanne Wissa was left out of DR Congo’s squad and will remain with the Magpies in January. Eddie Howe confirmed Wissa will be “back involved” after he returned to full training on Monday.
Watch the Tyne-Wear derby live on Sky Sports at 2pm on December 14.