Bassila misses derby clash

Sunderland midfielder Christian Bassila has been forced to rule himself out of Sunday’s Barclays Premiership derby clash with Newcastle.

The 28-year-old Frenchman damaged a hamstring in the 1-1 draw with West Ham on October 1 and had given himself an outside chance of making the trip to St James’ Park.

However, he has been forced to admit defeat in his bid to sample a second taste of derby glory in quick succession following the 2-0 win at Middlesbrough on September 25.

“Of course I want to play, but it’s important I don’t rush back,” he told the club’s official website, www.safc.com.

“With this type of injury, if you come back too soon it will happen again. You have to be careful.

“Derby games here are more passionate than in France, I found that out against Middlesbrough.

"Our fans were great against Middlesbrough and I know this derby means a lot more to them.

“I would love to play but I have to be professional about it. I will need a reserve game before I come back.”

McCarthy will hope for better news with Argentinian Julio Arca, who is battling against a toe fracture to return after two games on the sidelines.