Andy Carroll to miss Tyne-Wear derby

Carroll will miss the match at Sunderland (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle striker Andy Carroll has lost his bid to be fit for Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby clash with Sunderland.

The Magpies had been hoping their leading scorer would recover from a thigh injury in time for the match at the Stadium of Light.

However, boss Alan Pardew confirmed today that the game has come too soon for Carroll, who has not played since the 2-0 defeat by Tottenham on December 28.