Papiss Cisse Should Be Fit For Newcastle United vs Sunderland
Newcastle's new number 9 should be fit for his first Tyne/Wear derby this Sunday.
Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse should be fit to start this weekend's North East Derby against Sunderland. Cisse, who came off in the second half of Newcastle's 2-2 frustrating home draw against Wolves last year Saturday with a slight groin strain, has not trained yet this week (as of Wednesday) and was pulled out from travelling for Senegal's international friendly last night. Though Magpies assistant manager John Carver says he expects his big money signing to recover to play in his first ever Tyne Wear game; He should be OK, He had a problem with his groin, he hasnt trained yet. He didnt train on Wednesday and I think the fortunate thing is that we have the extra day with the game being on Sunday. But fingers crossed he should be OK. Since his big money move to Newcastle, the new number 9 has delighted the home supporters with two goals in two starts at St. James' Park. If he keeps up hitting the back of the net at home then he will quickly make that shirt his own. This week it sounds like Carver has been telling Papiss about the importance of the derby. He said in his interview; I know a lot of people have asked whether the foreign lads will know about the derby. Dont worry, well make sure they do. Weve got a few new additions, Papiss in particular. Hes finding it hard enough to understand what Im saying at the minute, no matter what this game means. By the time we get to Sunday hell have a good idea, dont worry about that. Sunderland have turned over Newcastle at St. James' Park since the year 2000 and were last season on the end of a 5-1 drumming that few supporters on either side will ever forgot. Both teams have improved over the past 12 months since that fixture and it should be the most fiercely competed North East derby in years. Kick-off in the Newcastle vs Sunderland match on Sunday is at an early time of 12pm.