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Rafa Benitez is set to get a major Tyne-Wear derby injury boost to his defence.

Centre-back Chancel Mbemba is ready to end six weeks on the sidelines by declaring himself fit for the clash with Sunderland.

Skipper Fabricio Coloccini is also vying to return, which could leave Benitez with a refreshed back line on Sunday.

Mbemba, United’s No1 defender, has been out with a heel injury since February 3.

The Congo star, signed in the summer for £8.4m, tried to play through the pain barrier in his last game, the defeat to Everton, but ended up suffering a lengthy absence.

(Image: Getty)

Coloccini tweaked his calf muscle during United’s mid-season training camp, and is slowly recovering.

It remains to be seen whether Benitez would risk either or both players coming back from injuries in the same game.

But Mbemba has stepped up his fitness work and is the most likely to give Newcastle some rare good injury news.

Benitez has made sorting out the defence his top priority in the nine game scramble for safety.

(Image: Dan Mullan)

He had to play makeshift left back Jack Colback alongside Steven Taylor and Jamaal Lascelles in his first game in charge at Leicester.

He said: “In terms of the team and the next games, it is always easier to improve in defence. Why? Because it is very simple.

“We’ve been analysing the stats but what we want to do now is change the mood a little bit, give the players confidence.

“If the offensive players have confidence they can score goals. If the defenders know what to do they can improve as a unit. That is the idea.”

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