Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien is ruled out of the upcoming Newcastle United derby due to a three-match ban following a straight red card, though key midfielders Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki have avoided suspension and will be available for the clash.
Sunderland will be without key defender Luke O’Nien for the Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United after he received a straight red card in the defeat to Manchester City, resulting in a three-match ban.
Crucially, however, the Black Cats received a major boost as midfielders Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki avoided bookings against City, ensuring both players are available to face their fierce rivals next weekend.
Manager Regis Le Bris acknowledged the risk of suspension affected his previous selection, stating: “It was part of the problem today.
We played with two midfielders at 60-70% intensity which was not useful but after a week like that it was important to have in mind that we have an important derby at home next week.”
Le Bris also addressed O’Nien’s dismissal: “It’s a shame to receive a red card at the end of the game but if the referee thought it was red then that’s fine. When you’re not at your best you have to accept this.”