Cats boss plays down ban worry for key duo

SUNDERLAND head coach Regis Le Bris has played down the worry of a one-match ban for two of his key players, but admits it will be on their minds ahead of this week's Premier League doubleheader.

- By MATTY HEWITT Football writer

Captain Granit Xhaka and midfielder Noah Sadiki have both picked up four yellow cards for the season already, which means one more will incur an automatic one-match ban.

Sunderland travel to face Liverpool at Anfield tonight, before another testing trip against Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, and then the Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United on Sunday, December 14.

It means if either are booked against Liverpool they will miss the game at Man City - but if they are cautioned at the weekend then they will be ruled out of the North East showdown at the Stadium of Light.