Sunderland still have several players walking a disciplinary tightrope as the season moves toward its first suspension cut off.
In recent weeks, much of the discussion on Wearside centred on the risk of suspensions, with concern that Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki could collect a fifth yellow card and miss the Wear Tyne derby. Both players managed to avoid punishment and went on to play key roles as Sunderland claimed a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
Despite coming through that fixture safely, Xhaka remains one booking away from a one match ban. The initial threshold comes after the 19th league game of the campaign, which for Sunderland falls on the New Year’s Day clash with Manchester City. To stay clear of suspension, Xhaka must avoid a yellow card away at Brighton this weekend and in the following home matches against Leeds United and City.
Sadiki’s situation has changed due to his departure for the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence means any suspension would have a greater impact, but AFCON effectively removes him from the equation for now. The same applies to Reinildo, who moved onto four yellow cards after being booked in the derby. By the time both players return from international duty, the first cut off point will have passed. From then on, the next suspension marker will be ten yellow cards by the 32nd gameweek.
There are still other players who need to be careful. Enzo Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele and Trai Hume are all on three yellow cards, meaning two more bookings across the next three matches would trigger a one game ban. Omar Alderete and Robin Roefs sit in a slightly safer position but would face suspension if they were booked in all three of those fixtures.
Brighton, meanwhile, will be missing key personnel when Sunderland visit on Saturday. Captain Lewis Dunk is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card in last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool. Diego Gomez is also banned following his booking at Anfield. Carlos Baleba will be absent due to his call up for Cameroon at AFCON, while injuries rule out Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster and Solly March.
Sunderland will also be without several players because of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra all away on international duty.