FIFA have granted Premier League clubs an extra week to keep their stars heading to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Daily Mail Sport understands teams will not have to release their players until December 15 - seven days later than the initial deadline - in a major boost for those whose squads will be affected by departures for the tournament in Morocco.
The ruling means seven Sunderland first-teamers will be able to play in the first Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle in the top flight for nine years, with the clash set for December 14.