The Black Cats midfielder has been suspended after 10 bookings and Ross admits it’s a blow for the League One side for two reasons.
Sunderland manager Jack Ross has opened up on Lee Cattermole’s suspension, admitting that it is a “blow” for his side in their pursuit of promotion from League One.
However, the Black Cats boss also said that issues with bookings and dismissals are effectively an occupational hazard for a central midfielder such as Cattermole.
The 30-year-old was booked for the 10th time this season as Sunderland beat Blackpool 1-0 at Bloomfield Road on New Year’s Day, and must now serve a two-match ban for reaching double figures.
As a result, Cattermole will be sidelined for the trip to fifth-placed Charlton Athletic this weekend, as well as the following Saturday’s home game against second-placed Luton Town – both crucial games against teams around them.
Ross spoke about his midfield enforcer’s suspension – which also sees him out of the Checkatrade Trophy clash against Newcastle United Under-21s – by saying it’s effectively a double issue for Sunderland, as not only has he been influential, but the team is also lacking numbers in the middle of the park as evidenced by the squad bench against the Tangerines.
“It’s a blow for us because he’s been influential this season,” Ross is quoted by Chronicle Live as saying. “It’s also a blow because we’re a bit stretched for numbers… we had a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old on the bench because that was all the fit players we had.”
That said, Ross added: “It’s part of his game… it’s just the nature of playing in his position and being the type of player he is.”
With captain and fellow midfielder George Honeyman currently injured, Ross will have some thinking to do to ensure Sunderland don’t suffer too much during the two players’ absence.
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