Wilson Isidor of Sunderland shows dejection during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Coventry City at the Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, England, on November 9, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Massive Blow: Sunderland handed fresh suspension concern with three key players now on brink of one-game ban
Sunderland are facing a potential suspension concern after key defender Chris Mepham came close to a one-match ban following his fourth yellow card at The Den on Saturday.
Mepham was involved in a challenge while Sunderland worked to maintain their lead against Millwall, earning him a booking. If he receives another yellow card in the next three matches, he will be suspended, with the suspension threshold coming after 19 games. He is one of three players currently on four yellow cards, alongside Chris Rigg, while Jobe Bellingham is just one yellow card away from a ban as he prepares to return from a three-match suspension for a straight red card at QPR. Like Bellingham, Trai Hume and Patrick Roberts will be available for selection after serving their suspensions when West Brom visits the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.
There are few other suspension concerns before the cut-off, with Wilson Isidor being the only other player potentially at risk, as he has two yellow cards so far this season.
If Mepham does face a suspension, Le Bris has solid defensive options, with Dan Ballard and Aji Alese both fully fit and in strong form following their performances in the 1-1 draw at Millwall. Dennis Cirkin is expected to recover from his wrist injury soon, which would allow Alese to shift to central defense if necessary.
