Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji will serve a four-match ban after losing his appeal against a violent conduct charge.
The 28-year-old centre back, who joined in an £8million summer deal from Chelsea, was charged by the FA after an incident with Darren Fletcher in last weekend’s game against West Brom.
The Senegalese appeared to strike Fletcher while jostling for a set-piece as the Black Cats succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the Hawthorns.
Manager David Moyes faces a selection dilemma as Djilobodji will now miss Sunderland’s upcoming games against Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Everton.