Régis Le Bris confirms Sunderland team news latest ahead of Man Utd visit | OneFootball

Sunderland have been dealt a major blow ahead of Man Utd’s visit to the Stadium of Light.

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris has confirmed Dan Ballard’s appeal against his Wolves red card has been rejected by the FA, so the defender must serve a three-game suspension and will miss the rest of the Premier League campaign.

Ballard was sent off for violent conduct midway through the first half of the 1-1 draw after referee Paul Tierney, following a VAR review, ruled he had clearly pulled the hair of striker Tolu Arokodare.

Le Bris said he was disappointed and felt the incident was unclear. He believes Ballard was reaching for the shirt and that long hair became caught, adding that he accepts the law but feels the rule is a little unclear.

Elsewhere, the head coach said wingers Bertrand Traore and Nilson Angulo are fit to return to the matchday squad on Saturday afternoon. They returned to full training last week and will join Jocelin Ta Bi in contention.

He hinted they are highly unlikely to start, with minutes from the bench more realistic given the step up from training to a full match against Manchester United. With a fuller group, he said there is no need to rush anyone back and players must show in training to earn minutes.

Romaine Mundle remains the only other absentee as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Source: Sunderland Echo