Two top Sunderland stars are close to picking up a suspension.
Sunderland will be hoping to bounce back from three straight draws after the international break, with the latter 2-2 draw against Coventry City showing some clear signs for concern in the second half.
There is no doubt that the side simply haven’t quite been able to handle some absentees from their side, and whilst they were able to fill the void of Anthony Patterson and Dan Ballard successfully with the inclusion of Simon Moore and Chris Mepham, the exclusion of Jobe Bellingham has proven to be costly.
Black Cats midfielder Bellingham was handed a red card in the 0-0 away draw with Queens Park Rangers, and Regis Le Bris’ side haven’t been able to bag a single win since.
Whilst Bellingham is set for a return after the international break, he must tread lightly with him nearing yet another suspension, alongside a fellow midfielder who has proven to be irreplaceable this season.
- READ MORE: Aaron Connolly shows his class in heartwarming gesture to one Sunderland fan on social media
Sunderland pair Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg walking suspension tightrope
Bellingham has certainly showed a rough edge when it comes to his aggressive play in-the centre-of-the-park, and as a result, per WhoScored, he has picked up four yellow cards so far in the 2024/25 campaign. As a result, Bellingham is one yellow card away from yet another suspension.
He is joined by fellow midfielder Chris Rigg on the list of players one card away from suspension, and it would be a massive loss for Le Bris’ side if either of the pair were to pick one more up.
As well as Bellingham, Rigg has been an integral part of the side this season, playing 14 games and tallying three goals from midfield as well.
- READ MORE: ‘Excellent’ Sunderland star will be pressuring Regis Le Bris over major concern after injury return
Sunderland could face repeat of recent blip if either of midfield pair pick up suspension
The Black Cats will certainly hope that neither of the ‘absolutely brilliant’ Bellingham or Rigg pick up a yellow card, with both being one away from suspension. Unlike in defence or attack, the two options for Le Bris are indispensable and integral to the set-up.
Whilst squad depth is sufficient in-the centre-of-the-park, the options in regards to quality certainly don’t live up to the young English pair, and their impact on the pitch will be even more obvious if they miss out.
Sunderland have looked slightly more lightweight and passive without Bellingham in the last three games, and that would certainly be the case if Rigg was missing from the side as well, therefore Le Bris will be sure to give them orders to be cautious in their challenges.