TONY MOWBRAY takes charge of his first North-East derby on Sunday with Middlesbrough in the worst shape possible.

Boro travel to Sunderland missing Kevin Thomson and former Black Cat Julio Arca through suspension, while injuries to Nicky Bailey and now Merouane Zemamma have hindered Mowbray's midfield prospects even further.

Zemamma will miss Boro's forthcoming fixtures with a hernia injury which will have to be operated on, meanwhile the full effect of Bailey's injury has been proven by Boro's inability to achieve a league victory in the absence of the midfield enforcer.

Mowbray's side have lost three on the bounce for the first time in his charge, and will face a Sunderland side who are bettered only by Manchester City in terms of recent form since Martin O'Neill took charge at the Stadium of Light.

Mowbray's options could be boosted by moving Rhys Williams into midfield or even dropping Marvin Emnes out to the wing, but the Boro boss admits that the situation is grim.

"Merouane will have a double hernia operation," Mowbray said. "We've had two midfield players sent off, we've got Nicky Bailey injured, we're pretty short in that area of the pitch.

"We'll have to have a look around and decide what the best way for us to play in the game on Sunday is going to be."