Sunderland were in Championship action against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats headed into the game no doubt fancying their chances of picking up yet another victory.
Sunderland beat Oxford United 2-0 in their last outing thanks to goals from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor.
That result saw the North East outfit maintain their place atop of the Championship table, opening up a five-point gap between themselves and Burnley.
QPR, meanwhile, went into the latest gameweek with just one win from their opening 12 league fixtures of 2024/25.
Despite the clear gulf in quality between the two sides, Sam Parkin predicted a 0-0 draw between Sunderland and QPR on the day.
However, Regis Le Bris’ side are already well on course to book their spot in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season and most fans likely expected an easy win against the London outfit.
Regis Le Bris provides Chris Rigg update after Sunderland vs QPR
Ahead of kick-off, Sunderland were dealt a massive blow on the injury front.
The team news came out an hour before the clash as normal and there was a major absentee from the starting eleven and bench.
Chris Rigg, who has been sensational for Sunderland this season, missed the QPR game completely with Alan Browne returning to the starting line-up.
With Rigg out, youngster Harrison Jones was handed a place on the bench alongside the returning Eliezer Mayenda.
Now, Le Bris has offered a brief update on Rigg in his post-match presser, stating he is okay and will be back next week.
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Chris Rigg absence would have been a big blow for Sunderland
Rigg has earned high praise for his starring displays in a Sunderland shirt during the first few months of 2024/25.
The 17-year-old has three league goals to his name already this term, including a wonderful effort that won the Black Cats the game against local rivals Middlesbrough.
Had Rigg been facing a spell on the sidelines, Le Bris would have been worried.
Sunderland have two more fixtures before the November international break against Preston North End and Coventry City.
Both ties looked very winnable but the potential absence of Rigg could have dented the club’s title hopes going forward.
Sunderland fans bemoaned Riggs’ absence in the draw with QPR and even though he is expected to be back next week, the North East outfit are set to be without Bellingham for the above fixtures after he was shown a straight red on Saturday, which will once again weaken their midfield.