One Sunderland star is close to a two-match ban following the loss to Leeds United.
Sunderland fell to an agonisingly late defeat on their travels as Leeds United scored in the dying embers to see off Regis Le Bris’ side.
The game looks to have put a dent in Sunderland’s promotion hopes, as many highlighted Le Bris’ decision-making regarding substitutions as one reason why his side couldn’t quite hold on.
On top of the heartbreaking result, which looked to be going the Black Cats’ way after Wilson Isidor’s brilliant poacher-esque finish, one Sunderland star is now close to a two-match suspension. Le Bris has since spoken out about how he is going to have to personally ‘manage’ the player, who would be sorely missed if handed a ban.
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Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham nears two-match ban as Regis Le Bris outlines next steps for midfielder
Following the Leeds United defeat that saw six Sunderland players pick up yellow cards as they looked to grind out a win or draw, Jobe Bellingham was handed a caution in the 56th minute that could prove to be detrimental.
After the yellow card, Bellingham is now just one yellow card away from a two-match suspension.
Bellingham will escape a potential ban if he can evade any bookings before matchday 37, which is 10 games away.
Per James Copley on X, it has been made clear that Le Bris will have to ‘manage’ the Bellingham situation, which will likely mean that the French boss will hand him specific orders to be less aggressive with the challenge, at least until matchday 37.
Regis Le Bris will severely struggle without Jobe Bellingham, the blueprint is already out there
There is no playing down just how crucial Bellingham is to Le Bris’ side, having been a stalwart in the centre of the park throughout the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
In the league, Bellingham has been unavailable for four games in total across the season, with all clashes ending in stalemates, showing that Sunderland lacks that dynamism in the midfield that the 19-year-old can provide.
With a total of seven goal contributions this season, as well as his ability to consistently notch 90 minutes of action in every match week, his impact does not go unnoticed, and it could cause trouble if he were to miss out on two games due to suspension.