Bellingham picked up his ninth yellow card of the season in Monday night’s defeat at Leeds United.
There are still four games to go before the suspension cut-off in the Championship, meaning Bellingham must negotiate the crucial fixtures against Hull, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff and Preston.
For all Regis Le Bris is well stocked in midfield, Sunderland’s head coach will be desperately hoping Bellingham manages to avoid a 10th booking of the season.
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The teenager was sorely missed in the recent home draw with Watford when he was absent due to a minor ankle injury.
“For sure, he’s very important to us,” said Le Bris.
Bellingham is the only Sunderland player who is one yellow card away from a two-match ban, but Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor will both have to tread carefully. They were both booked at Leeds and are now just two cautions away from a suspension.
Isidor has been carded three times in his last five games, but the striker has also scored four goals in that period and Le Bris is delighted with how he’s playing.
He said: “He’s consistent. He scored and defended very properly with the team as well.
“He’s really well connected that with the players so it’s easy to find a connection with his runs and he’s always a threat for the defence.”
Luke O’Nien and Patrick Roberts are on seven yellow cards, while Chris Mepham, Chris Rigg and Dennis Cirkin are on six.
