Sunderland's Lamine Kone is out with a back injury, while fellow centre-back Younes Kaboul won't feature as he is close to joining Watford.
Papy Djilobodji will make his debut, potentially partnering John O'Shea at the heart of the Sunderland defence.
Middlesbrough's Grant Leadbitter and Marten de Roon are out with respective hernia and hamstring problems.
Defender Daniel Ayala may return from an ankle injury after playing for Boro's development side on Monday.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Martin Fisher: "There are those who argue that this isn't a real derby but with Newcastle out of the Premier League picture, the Wear-Tees match-up surely takes on special significance.