Newcastle United are a long way away from playing against Sunderland again, but the Black Cats already have an injury concern.

Following Sunderland’s promotion from the Championship, the Tyne-Wear derby is suddenly a Premier League fixture once again.

Eddie Howe’s side face Sunderland in December at the Stadium of Light, with the return fixture at St James’ Park scheduled for March 2026.

Newcastle United will arrive on Wearside on the back of a Champions League trip to Bayer Leverkusen, which Sunderland may feel could give them an edge. However, Regis Le Bris’ side suddenly have a problem of their own that could impact them from now all the way to the derby on 13th December.

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra ruled out until December

Newcastle broke their transfer record to sign Nick Woltemade this summer, and Sunderland smashed their record too.

They bought Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for £30million, and he has enjoyed a strong start to life in red and white. However, the pause button has now been pushed on his Sunderland career.

After missing their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, Sunderland have confirmed that Diarra has undergone groin surgery.

They state that the 21-year-old will be out of action until December, which potentially puts him at risk of missing the derby. That will depend on how his rehabilitation period goes.

It is an early season blow for Sunderland, who have exceeded expectations following their return to the top flight.

Newcastle United await new derby day hero after Alexander Isak saga

The Tyne-Wear derby has not been a regular fixture in years gone by. The last time the two sides met in the Premier League was in March 2016.

In all competitions, the last contest was in January 2024. After being drawn against them in the FA Cup third round, Newcastle beat Sunderland 3-0 at the Stadium of Light.

It was an easy victory for Eddie Howe, who experienced his first ever derby as Newcastle United manager.

On that day, Alexander Isak scored twice for the Magpies. It christened the chant ‘who put the ball in the Mackems’ net, Alexander Isak’.

However, Toon fans no longer chant his name following his actions this summer. Isak forced through a move to Liverpool, completely tarnishing his relationship with the Toon Army.

That means Newcastle need a new derby day hero to emerge, but that will not happen until December. Until then, Howe is focused on competing on multiple fronts as he juggles the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.