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Team News: Sunderland boosted as important trio return for Newcastle derby
SUNDERLAND striker Jermain Defoe is expected to be fit for Sunday's vital derby trip to Newcastle after recovering from a calf strain.
Jermain Defoe set to recover in time for Newcastle clash
Defoe picked up the injury during the 1-1 draw at Southampton on March 5, but his side have not played since and he was due to resume training with the rest of the squad today.
Lee Cattermole is ready to resume after missing the trip to St Mary's through concussion while fellow midfielder Jeremain Lens is back in contention following hernia surgery.
Sam Allardyce to have Lee Cattermole and Jeremain Lens back in action
But Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce is without full-back Emmanuel Eboue (hamstring) and forward Duncan Watmore (ankle ligaments).
Provisional squad: Mannone, Pickford, Van Aanholt, Yedlin, O'Shea, Jones, Kone, Kaboul, Brown, Kirchhoff, Cattermole, M'Vila, Khazri, Borini, Rodwell, Lens, Toivonen, Larsson, Defoe, N'Doye.