Regis Le Bris now has triple Sunderland player concern ahead of Sheffield United crunch match.
Sunderland face their toughest test of the season so far when they take on Sheffield United on Friday night, but Regis Le Bris will need three of his key players to be extra vigilant.
After registering five draws in a row, Sunderland have slipped down the Championship table, losing top spot to their next opponents.
Regis Le Bris will be desperate to get back to winning ways against the Blades, and a win at Bramall Lane would be a real statement heading into the festive period.
In light of recent results, Le Bris may consider changing his formation for the Sheffield United game, with a number of different options available to him right now.
Mepham, Rigg, and Bellingham all close to suspension
One thing Le Bris will need to consider going into the top of the table clash, though, is that three of his key men are one yellow card away from a one-game suspension.
Jobe Bellingham has just returned from a three-match ban after his red card against QPR at the start of the month, but could miss yet another game if he were to be booked against the Blades.
Young talent Chris Rigg is also on four yellow cards this season, and will need to be careful with his tackles in the middle of the park on Friday.
Meanwhile, Chris Mepham was hailed for his performance against West Brom in midweek, but his yellow card against Millwall last weekend leaves him on thin ice heading into the United game.
Tempers could flare in high-stakes game at Bramall Lane
There is a lot at stake for both sides on Friday. If either team can win, they will find themselves at the top of the table as we go into Saturday’s fixtures, and the mental advantage of that cannot be understated.
Meanwhile, for Sunderland at least, a defeat against Sheffield United would see the Black Cats slip further away from that title challenge they have been so keen to maintain after an incredible start to the campaign.
It remains to be seen whether Sunderland can be genuine title rivals to the likes of Leeds United and Sheffield United, but a win away from home this weekend would certainly rekindle those hopes.
However, it will likely be a very feisty affair, and the Sunderland players — particularly the three facing suspension — will have to be highly disciplined and not let the occasion get to their heads.
