Newcastle United's Steven Taylor 'unlikely to be fit for Wear-Tyne derby'

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is unlikely to return to the side for this weekend's Wear-Tyne derby against Sunderland due to injury.

The 27-year-old was initially expected to be in the squad for the clash due to the suspension of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa following a month on the sidelines.

Despite returning to training this week, it is understood that Taylor could miss out on the Magpies' match against arch-rivals Sunderland, according to the Shields Gazette.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew may turn to Paul Dummett if Taylor fails to pass a fitness test.