Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback was the victim of a typically vicious tackle from Sunderland's Lee Cattermole directly after the interval, forcing the Magpies' ginger-topped spark plug to leave the match with an apparent leg injury.
Following treatment on the touchline, Colback was substituted in the 49th minute for Dutch international Vurnon Anita, who will slot in next to Cheick Tiote in a deep-lying midfield position.
Colback becomes the third player forced to leave the heated encounter due to injury, joining Black Cats' duo John O'Shea and Ola Toivonen on the treatment tables deep within the bowels of the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Related: O'Shea, Toivonen leave Tyne-Wear derby early with injuries
