Six Sunderland players have been called up for international duty for the third break of the season. Here is every Black Cats star involved and what fixtures they could feature in.
Going into the international break top of the Championship table, the stoppage has arguably come at a great time for Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats are on the back of three successive draws which has seen their lead be cut to goal difference alone.
After fumbling a 2-0 lead against Coventry at the Stadium of Light, it is now time for the Sunderland manager to reassess his squad and prepare them for the busy festive period.
However, a few stars will be away from the team over the coming weeks as they have been called up for international duty.
Therefore, Sunderland AFC News has highlighted which stars have been selected and which fixtures they could play in.
Trai Hume – Northern Ireland
Arguably Sunderland’s best player this season, Trai Hume has been on fire since the appointment of Le Bris.
Earlier this month, statistics showed that Hume had created the joint-most chances as a defender, showing his worth to the side.
Now, he has a chance to continue his form with his country. Hume had captained Northern Ireland in the September fixtures.
Going into the final two matches, Northern Ireland is aiming to win promotion back into the second tier.
- Belarus (Friday. November 15)
- Luxembourg (Monday, November 18)
Chris Mepham – Wales
Another fantastic player on form, Chris Mepham has been an inspirational signing since he joined Sunderland on deadline day.
This has seen Luke O’Nien heap praise on Mepham for his recent performances as the Black Cats aim for promotion.
Now, Wales are pushing to win promotion to the top tier in their final two games with the nation currently second in the group, two points behind Turkey.
- Turkey (Saturday, November 16)
- Iceland (Tuesday, November 18)
Jobe Bellingham – England Under 21s
After a consistent run of form, Jobe Bellingham has finally been rewarded for his performances with a call-up to the England Under 21s squad.
The midfielder has often been seen as Sunderland’s star player and he has done his best to match that reputation this term.
Over the next week and a half, the youngster will participate in two friendlies, which will no doubt help his experience and development grow.
- Spain Under 21s (Friday, November 15)
- Netherlands Under 21s (Monday, November 18)
Leo Hjelde – Norway Under 21s
A forgotten player this term, Leo Hjelde has barely featured for the Black Cats over the course of the season.
However, this has not stopped the player from receiving an international call-up as the 21-year-old joins up with his fellow young Norwegian countrymen.
Playing in the Euro Under 21s qualifiers, Hjelde will be aiming to reach the finals as they face Finland in the play-offs.
- Finland Under 21s (Friday, November 15)
- Finland Under 21s (Tuesday, November 19)
Dan Ballard – Northern Ireland
Dan Ballard has struggled for game time this season as he battles to stay fit. After being out for several weeks, he returned in the 2-2 draw against Coventry on the weekend.
Now, he will be looking to increase his match sharpness away with Northern Ireland in the Nations League.
- Belarus (Friday. November 15)
- Luxembourg (Monday, November 18)
Milan Aleksic – Serbia Under 21s
The final player on this list is Milan Aleksic. Since joining the club at the end of the summer transfer window, the Serbian has struggled for game time.
The 19-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Black Cats with competition for places fierce.
However, the youngster will now have an opportunity to showcase his talents with the Serbia Under 21s as they take on Turkey in a friendly.
- Turkey Under 21s (Tuesday, November 19)