Newcastle United are hoping that Andy Carroll will be fit for the club’s next match on Sunday. Carroll has missed the last three games with a thigh injury but could make his return at the Stadium of Light.
“If we put him in, and he breaks down again, we could lose him for four or five weeks,” Newcastle skipper Nolan told BBC Look North.
“But we want our best players available because, if we do, we feel we can take on any team in the Premier League.”
The Liverpool-born midfielder was a hat-trick hero in the last derby game, the 5-1 win at St James’ Park in October.
Newcastle have meanwhile bee linked to new players in the January transfer window, including William Gallas and Nicklas Bendtner.